Kuala Lampur, Oct. 1 -- Kuala Pilah police arrested two 16-year-olds last week after a 14-year-old junior was found lifeless lying on his hostel bed. The Education Ministry orders an audit.

This is not the first, and unfortunately the column fears, not the last of deaths in government school hostels. How to forget Zara Qairina Mahathir's tragic death in Sabah in July 2025?

It might be time to change one policy. That our government schools should be day schools only. Which means in stages closing government school hostels.

The government is far more competent in facilitating learning during the day than trying to do that and raise children into adults without parents.

Sticking to core competencies might be best for all, most certainly ...