KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has proposed the establishment of a Malaysian Teachers Protection Act (Akta Perlindungan Guru Guru Malaysia) to safeguard the welfare and rights of teachers, particularly in terms of workload, safety and professional rights. ALSO READ: Reinstate caning as disciplinary measure in schools, says Umno delegate“In the past, teachers who disciplined students would often have the support of parents. "Actions such as reprimanding or caning students could lead to police reports or legal action, undermining teachers’ authority and their confidence in educating,” he added. Ahmad Zahid stressed that Malaysian teachers need proper legal protection so that they can perform their educational duties effectively, without fear or undue pressure. Earlier, a Penang Umno delegate had called on the government to reinstate caning as a formal disciplinary measure in schools nationwide, citing growing concerns over legal risks faced by teachers in the classroom.

Source: The Star January 17, 2026 21:44 UTC