4,289 bullying cases recorded in schools from March to August, says Fadhlina
KUALA LUMPUR: An average of 24 bullying cases were recorded daily in schools between March and August this year, bringing the total to 4,289 cases over six months.
In the period from March to August, education officials in Malaysia recorded a total of 4,289 bullying incidents across schools, averaging 24 cases per day, according to Fadhlina Sidek, the Education Minister. This tally comprised 2,480 physical bullying cases, 1,386 verbal instances, 243 non-verbal occurrences, and 180 cyberbullying situations. To address this issue, the ministry has implemented various measures.
In response to the growing concern, the Education Ministry has bolstered hostel monitoring through enhanced closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage, additional personnel, and safety audits. CCTV installations were carried out in 200 boarding schools in 2025 and a further 333 schools this year, with allocated funds amounting to RM3 million and RM5 million respectively. Additional investments totaling RM15 million have been earmarked for 2027 to extend CCTV surveillance to 1,000 schools nationwide.
Furthermore, 300 MyStep Hostel Assistant Warden Personnel (MyPWA) have been deployed since April to bolster nighttime supervision, currently supporting over 10,000 existing wardens. The ministry has also conducted safety audits at 850 schools, with ongoing assessments through the Student Safety and Well-being Survey (TKKM) and In-Situ Guidance: Student Safety and Well-being (BKKM) initiatives.
Fadhlina emphasized that safety monitoring should not solely depend on physical infrastructure. She stressed the importance of supervision by school staff, awareness of behavioral changes in students, and prompt action on reported incidents. The ministry has also upgraded its Bullying Complaints Portal to facilitate anonymous reporting for students and witnesses, providing a safer avenue for lodging complaints.
The Anti-Bullying Act 2026, enacted in stages from March 1 and fully implemented on June 16, establishes an Anti-Bullying Tribunal through which victims can seek redress. The ministry remains dedicated to a holistic approach encompassing enforcement, environmental monitoring, victim protection, psychosocial intervention, and student character development.
Additionally, the School Anti-Bullying Framework for Empowerment (SAFE) initiative, introduced under Budget 2026, fosters caring school practices, peer support, and targeted counseling.
Fadhlina addressed concerns raised by Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) regarding the number of bullying cases since the Anti-Bullying Act's implementation and the improvements in hostel monitoring, following investigations into the death of Zara Qairina.
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