Army Veterans Step In As School Dorm Wardens To Curb Bullying in M’sia

A New Approach to Student Safety

Malaysia is turning to a rather unconventional but disciplined solution in its effort to combat bullying in school dormitories: bringing in army veterans.

Photo via Berita Harian courtesy of NSTP/WAN NABIL NASIR

According to Berita Harian, the veterans, two men and one woman, were stationed at the dormitory, which houses about 600 boys and girls, as part of an initiative to curb bullying and promote good conduct.

Their nightly patrols, firm advice, and structured presence have quickly created a visible difference.

Veterans Bring Their Own Approaches

One of the wardens, Zulkhairi Ismail (40), a former Warrant Officer, said he applied leadership methods learned in the army to his new role.

“We want them to fear us out of respect, not fear alone. At the same time, we want them to feel close to us, like a father figure they can talk to,” he explained.

He noted that bullying often worked like a cycle, where those once bullied might later bully others. To break that cycle, he chose to build trust while maintaining authority.

School Leadership Sees Positive Results

Principal Ibrahim Abdullah said the improvements were not only in discipline but also in overall student behaviour and morale.

“Discipline is improving, but beyond that, the students also appear happier and more responsible. They now wake up earlier, pray together, and go to bed on time,” he said.

How The Initiative Began

This initiative traces back to 18 August 2025 (Monday), when eight army veterans officially started work as wardens at two boarding schools, one in Balik Pulau, Penang, and another in Besut, Terengganu, BERNAMA reported.

They were carefully selected through tests and interviews.

Maj Gen Datuk Semaon Marjuki, director-general of the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV), said the experience and discipline veterans bring from service could help guide students.