JPN can take initiative to curb drug abuse among teachers

State Education Departments (JPN) can take the initiative to identify and prevent drug abuse among teachers by conducting urine tests with the help of the police.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the ministry would not compromise with teachers involved in drug abuse and would leave it to the police to deal with them.

"We have been working closely with the police, in fact in every state there is good rapport between the state education department and the police.

"Drug abuse among teachers is a serious problem but for the drug screening, we leave it to the respective states.

"I do not want the ministry making all the decisions, let the state directors decide at their level," he said when met at SMK Mahang golden jubilee celebration near here, yesterday.

Mahdzir said this when asked to comment on the arrest of a 33-year-old male teacher in Miri, Sarawak, who was charged with drug trafficking.

"JPN can take action but they should discuss with the police first as it is not necessary to screen all teachers, just concentrate in certain areas and locations."

Commenting on autistic children not being able to attend special education schools due to lack of specialist teachers and learning aids, Mahdzir said the ministry was looking into the matter.

"It has always been our goal to see that students with autism are taught by certified specialist teachers in schools equipped with facilities for children with special needs and we will take steps to work towards that." -- Bernama