Twenty years after she left school, Zalina (not her real name) is still unable to forget the trauma of her menstrual period spot check experiences, which she claimed ruined her schooling years.

Speaking to Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity, the 36-year-old said the experience had haunted her to the extent that she had become afraid of Friday prayers.

Zalina, who studied at an all girl's national secondary school in the northern region, said her school made it mandatory for students to attend prayers every Friday...