Bekas timbalan menteri gesa seragamkan SOP antibuli semua institusi pendidikan

The government is pushing for a nationwide anti-bullying standard operating procedure (SOP) across all education institutions, as per Education Minister Dr P Kamalanathan's statement. Currently, the Ministry of Education (KPM), Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), and Ministry of Defence each have their own SOPs for handling bullying issues.

Kamalanathan emphasized that student protection should be uniform, regardless of the institution they attend, including full-fee schools (SBP), Government Technical Schools (MRSM), or the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM). He proposed a clear timeline for response (24 hours), investigation (seven days), and action (14 days).

Kamalanathan also highlighted that preventing bullying should not solely rely on punishment, and early intervention is crucial. He suggested revisiting the student-to-warden ratio in full-fee schools, enhancing the role of counselors, and ensuring that the Bullying Complaint Portal is difficult to navigate while being user-friendly for children.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of communication skills, empathy, and teaching children how to respect others, intervene when witnessing bullying, and seek help when needed. Parents are also urged to play a primary role by monitoring their child's behavior changes and assisting in combating bullying from home. Kamalanathan supports Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and KPM in addressing the bullying incident, which resurfaced after a secondary school sports student's death in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.