PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry has issued a reminder to state Education Departments (JPN) and district education offices (PPD) to halt period spot checks on female students.

       In a circular dated Nov 2, all JPN and PPD have been told to ensure that the practice and physical examination, especially related to menstruation, does not occur in any institution under the ministry.

       “MoE has found that physical examinations, especially concerning menstruation among female students, had occurred in educational institutions under the ministry,” said the circular, signed by Education director-general Datin Sri Nor Zamani Abdol Hamid.

       She also said the ministry viewed the issue seriously and stressed that it should not be taking place at any of the institutions under its purview.

       “Strict action must be taken if this practice is found to have taken place in educational institutions under the ministry.

       “JPN and PPD must always be aware and conduct continuous monitoring so that this does not happen in the future,” she said.

       Checks with several JPN confirmed the authenticity of the circular.

       The circular came following Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin's meeting with students involved in the latest period spot checks allegations on Oct 26.

       “I take this matter seriously. If there is such a practice in any Education Ministry institution, we are committed to ensure that it does not continue to happen,” he said in a social media post.

       This is not the first time period spot checks have been reported.

       In April, some students took to social media, revealing the practice was happening in schools during the month of Ramadan.

       Following this, Radzi said the ministry would set up a new committee to look into the allegations and other similar issues.