While the NGO said the Nov 2 circular marked progress in ending period spot checks in schools, the group questioned what action would be taken against those who flouted the ban.
Calling period spot checks “vile, disgusting and repulsive”, SIS said such practices are a form of sexual harassment and physical assault which have “no place anywhere”, especially in schools and institutions of learning.
“What are the guidelines if period spot checks are still conducted in educational institutions? Can the students report to the school, principal or report straight to the police?” it asked in a statement.
“What kind of action or punishment will be taken against the individual or individuals who conduct period spot checks? Will counselling be provided for students who have undergone period spot checks?”
The group also pointed out other unclear details in the circular – such as whether the directive includes private education institutions and educational institutions under state governments and other governmental bodies such as religious schools and tahfiz schools.
The ministry’s circular, which emphasised that physical check-ups should not happen at any of its educational institutions, came following a report late last month that staff at Kolej Vokasional Setapak had conducted period spot checks on 30 girls aged 18 and 19.
The girls were asked to prove they were menstruating by using a cotton bud swab.
Education minister Radzi Jidin then visited the school and sought an explanation from the school’s principal and teachers, while stressing that his ministry was committed to ensuring such practices do not happen again.
The issue gained national headlines in April, when several students came forward to reveal the torment they faced in public schools, including period spot checks, public shaming and sexual harassment.
The students also told of how some religious teachers (ustazah), doubtful if they were on their period, felt them up to check for menstrual pads when students said they had to skip prayers as they were on their period.