SISTERS in Islam (SIS) recognises and welcomes the circular issued by the Ministry of Education (MoE) directing the prohibition of physical check-ups, particularly period spot checks.

The circular, which was dated November 2, 2021, emphasises that these physical check-ups should not happen at any education institutions under the MoE.

The circular also mentioned that the state education departments and the district education offices must be aware and to conduct continuous monitoring to ensure that period spot checks will not happen anymore.

Serious action will be taken towards education institutions under the MoE which conduct period spot checks.

While the circular shows progress in ending period spot checks, there are a few details that are unclear.

For example, does the circular include private education institutions and education institutions under state governments and other governmental bodies such as religious schools and tahfiz schools?

What are the guidelines if period spot checks are still conducted in education institutions?

Are the students able to report to the school, principal or the police? What kinds of actions or punishments will be taken towards the individual/individuals who conduct period spot checks?

Will counselling be provided for students who have undergone period spot checks?

Period spot checks are vile, disgusting and repulsive and have no place anywhere, especially in schools and institutions of learning.

It is a form of sexual harassment and physical assault and must be stopped immediately.

Without more specific and detailed measures, it remains to be seen whether the circular is sufficient to end this practice, especially in institutions that are not under the MoE.

Schools and other education institutions must provide a safe place for their students.

We also urge other education institutions that are not under the MoE to issue the necessary directives and implement the required measures to ensure that our students are free from such violations. – November 9, 2021.

* Sisters in Islam is civil society group which works towards advancing the rights of Muslim women in Malaysia within the framework of Islam, universal human rights priciples and constitutional guarantees.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.