Suhakam has called for the provision of trusted channels to enable students to report sexual abuse, pointing out that they are more likely to disclose such violations in a safe environment. (Freepik pic)

PETALING JAYA: Schools should provide trusted channels for children to report sexual abuse, rather than relying solely on annual health checks to detect such violations, says the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

Its children’s commissioner, Adib Samuri, said every school should have a trained officer whom pupils recognise, trust and feel safe approaching.

He said schools must also provide an independent reporting channel outside the institution, as an alleged abuser may sometimes be a teacher, staff member or someone connected to the school.