August 28, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR – The number of bullying cases in schools continues to rise, with 7,681 cases recorded in 2024, compared to 6,528 cases in 2023, based on data from the Student Discipline Management System (SSDM), says Fadhlina Sidek (pic).
The Education Minister said the ministry views the issue very seriously and will not tolerate any form of bullying in educational institutions.
“Combating bullying is an ongoing and continuous effort, and it requires commitment from all parties involved.
The ministry has had a clear mechanism to curb this issue, including through the issuance of Circular No. 4 of 2002: Implementation of the Safe School Programme, which aims to create a safe school environment so that teaching, learning and co-curricular activities can be carried out without disruption from any party, whether from within or outside the school.
This is further strengthened by the implementation of a standard operating procedure for reporting and taking action against students with disciplinary issues, she said.
“This SOP ensures that every disciplinary misconduct is reported immediately to the Education Ministry’s top management so that swift and effective action can be taken.”
In addition, the ministry has implemented comprehensive preventive measures, including the Madani Generation Character Building Programme, added the minister.
“This programme aims to develop students’ character holistically by balancing intellectual, personal and spiritual dimensions, while supporting the creation of a safe, disciplined and well-being-focused school culture.
“The appointment of Character Ambassadors, Peer Counsellors (PRS), and student leaders in schools is also an initiative by the Education Ministry to enhance students’ understanding and awareness to avoid disciplinary misconduct, including online misconduct.
“These ambassadors and counsellors serve as role models to guide, assist and prevent disciplinary issues among their peers.”
Another initiative is the “Healthy Mind Screening” initiative, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of self-care and mental health, as well as to educate students on managing their emotions and behaviour effectively, added Fadhlina.
Meanwhile, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said random spot checks would now be conducted often at all schools, even at night, in an effort to crack down on bullying among students.
He said spot checks were part of several solutions that were already implemented or planned to be implemented to reduce the likelihood of bullying among students.
He said these solutions included conducting safety audits on all schools nationwide and formulating better standard operating procedures for ensuring student safety and discipline.
“We will also take action against any school administrators or district education offices that failed to handle bullying complaints in accordance with the current guidelines,” Wong said in a special chamber session at Parliament yesterday.
Wong said the Education Ministry was also looking to reform its current bullying complaints system to make it more effective.
Speaking on maintaining discipline at school hostels, he said that teachers would still be prioritised for taking on the role of warden.
“Due to their connection with students, teachers will also get the best response and acceptance from students and parents.
“Teachers are best suited to be the caretakers of students in terms of welfare, safety, learning, and discipline,” he said.
To help ensure discipline and security at these hostels, Wong added that RM3mil had been allocated to install CCTV at all school hostels nationwide.
Wong was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim on efforts to reform the education system in light of the recent death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir.