RAWANG, MALAYSIA - Rawang assemblyman Gan Pei Nei is aware of the disciplinary problems at the school ranging from gangsterism and gang fights to molest.

"Unfortunately, no one has come forward to report or put them on record. We would like to advise the public to come forth and file a complaint so we can take further action," said Gan, adding that many were probably not aware of their rights or who they should complain to.

"The families of the victims could also be afraid of the social stigma that may follow if they lodge complaints," she said, adding that she would investigate any complaint and take necessary action.

"Police did tell me that gangsterism is common in the school area," said Gan, adding that the police, several parent-teacher association members and parents were her only sources of information on the school.

She said she had also heard that the school had covered up instances of molest and gangsterism among its students in order to protect its reputation as one of the better schools in town.

Due to administrative procedures, Gan said she was not allowed to deal directly with the school despite being the assemblyman for the area.

She added that a new school, SMK Taman Hijau, would be built at Taman Tun Teja to house some of the students from the problem school.

Gan also noted that the root of the problem could be congestion in the school.

"There are over 3,000 students in the school and the teachers have admitted to me that they cannot take care of such a large number," she said. Gan said the Gombak district education office had already issued letters requesting parents staying nearby to transfer their children to the new school.

She added that she was in discussions with several NGOs and police on a "civil society intervention" programme for students with disciplinary issues, starting with those in Forms 1 and 2.

Selangor police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said police had not received any report of gangsterism, extortion or molest.

He said the liaison officer overseeing the school did not report any of the allegations as claimed.

"The officer has been meeting with the school authorities and no one raised any issue with him on any criminal matter except for truancy.

"Since the rape of the 14-year-old student, we have been monitoring the school and gathering intelligence on the activities of several suspected troublemakers, but nothing serious has been reported," he said.

DCP Khalid also appealed to the school authorities and parents to lodge reports or contact him or his liaison officer if they were worried about repercussions.

Those with information may contact the Selangor Rakan COP hotline at 03-2052 9999.

-The Star/Asia News Network