Caning in schools may do more harm than good, says mental health group
The Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) says it does not agree with corporal punishment in schools as it often leads to long-term emotional and behavioural consequences.
MMHA president Dr Andrew Mohanraj said while the recent fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old student in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, has prompted calls for stronger disciplinary measures in schools, corporal punishment risks doing more harm than good.
Mohanraj, a consultant psychiatrist, said true discipline involves guiding young people to understand the consequences of their actions and develop internal self-control, empathy and moral reasoning.
“These qualities cannot be nurtured through fear or force. Discipline should never be equated with punishment,” he said in a statement.
“A safe and compassionate school is…
