Raja Muda Perlis disappointed over student truancy

He said although various programmes had been organised by the state government, the problems seemed to be endless.

"During the cycling session (cycling to the rakyat's home), there were children who did not attend school. As Ruler, I am sad because various initiatives have been carried out but still, the students did not attend school.

"I am seriously looking into the problems of truancy, bullying and abuse of ketum leaves among our students in this state," he said at the handing-over ceremony of the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council schooling aid at the Universiti Malaysia Perlis Convocation Festival here on Thursday.

He said drastic and integrated action needed to be taken, including enhancing cooperation among schools, parents and related agencies.