Education Minister: Students’ Views from Primary and Secondary Schools to Be Considered in Anti-Bullying Bill

NIBONG TEBAL, Sept 27 — The Ministry of Education (MOE) is open to including primary and secondary school students in town hall sessions for drafting the Anti-Bullying Bill, ensuring their voices and opinions are considered.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the approach reflects the principle of inclusive engagement, as students are the main stakeholders affected by bullying.

“We have no objection to the proposal. This is a process we normally conduct at the national level to gather direct feedback from students.

“We want the sessions to truly represent the voices of children and students, as they are the ones most impacted by this issue,” she told reporters after attending the Nibong Tebal parliamentary-level Temu Rakyat programme today.

Separately, Fadhlina said the MOE is investigating a case involving a 14-year-old girl who was reported to have suffered trauma, depression and self-harming tendencies after allegedly being bullied.

“The Director-General of Education is looking into the matter and immediate action will be taken,” she said.

On Sept 23, the media reported that a Form Two student had been traumatised by bullying from schoolmates, leading to depression and self-harm.

Fadhlina, who is also Nibong Tebal MP, added that the Temu Rakyat programme in her constituency would be held monthly to strengthen ties between the government and the local community.

She said various agencies were also involved, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Home Ministry (KDN), the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and zakat centres, to assist the public with issues concerning documentation, welfare, education, housing and health.

“Today’s initiatives include a 50 per cent discount on traffic summonses from PDRM, the KDN Mekar programme, zakat assistance and several government service counters,” she said. — Bernama