GEORGE TOWN: Penang police have identified 37 problematic schools, including nine which are involved in drug-related activities in the state.
State police chief Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye said police would assist teachers to combat disciplinary problems at these schools.
"We have been given the mandate to do so and will do our best to curb the unhealthy activities, including gangsterism and drug-related offences.
"This is why 873 policemen have been appointed as School Liaison Officers (PPS) for all the schools, including private schools, to combat the issue," he told newsmen here after presenting PPS certificates of appointment to the policemen today.
PPS will ensure and help the schools create a safe environment for the teachers and students.
PPS will visit the schools fortnightly to collect information for actions to be taken on students with disciplinary problems.
Chuah said the PPS would also need to conduct its own programmes on safety, crime prevention, drug abuse and the negative impact from gangsterism, to educate the students.
He re-assured the teachers that they should not have fears of retaliation when disciplining the students.
"The reports of the problematic students will be submitted to the district police or police stations for further action to be taken on the students.
Also present during the ceremony was state Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Anil Shah Abdullah.