‘Deeply Concerning’: Suhakam Reports Sharp Rise in Bullying Cases in MoE Schools Since 2022

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 11 — Bullying cases in schools under the Ministry of Education (MoE) have risen sharply since 2022, with over 70 per cent reported annually in secondary schools.

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Children’s Commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki revealed that in 2022, 819 cases were recorded in primary schools and 3,064 in secondary schools. The numbers climbed to 1,110 in primary and 5,418 in secondary schools in 2023, and further increased to 1,992 and 5,689 cases respectively in 2024.

Calling the trend “very worrying,” she stressed the urgent need for Malaysia to introduce a dedicated anti-bullying act to safeguard children’s wellbeing.

“In line with Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the government has a duty to protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence, neglect, and abuse,” she said at a town hall on anti-bullying organised by the Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division today.

Farah Nini noted that Malaysia currently lacks a specific law on bullying, relying instead on school disciplinary measures and general legal provisions. She said a comprehensive approach is needed — not only punishment, but also rehabilitation, counselling, and family support.

“Children are the nation’s future investment, and we must ensure schools are safe spaces for them,” she said.

She pointed to countries like Japan and the Philippines, which have enforced anti-bullying legislation since 2013, covering both physical and emotional harm as well as damage to property.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director-General (Law Reform) at the Legal Affairs Division, G. Thiyagu, said existing mechanisms include Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which regulates harmful online content, and the Online Safety Act 2024. However, he noted legal shortcomings, such as the absence of a clear definition of bullying and a punitive approach that overlooks rehabilitation.

“The court process, when convictions occur, is lengthy, technical, and not child-friendly. Civil cases are also costly,” he explained.

The session was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and other stakeholders. — Bernama