Schools still first channel to seek justice for bullying, Anti-Bullying Tribunal (TAB) only next option, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 - Students encountering bullying should first seek justice through their schools before approaching the Anti-Bullying Tribunal (TAB), according to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform). Azalina explained that the TAB would assess the complaints before accepting cases for mediation to prevent becoming overwhelmed by the high volume of complaints.

Similar to the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal (TAGS), established in March 2024, the TAB acts as a deterrent and an alternative dispute resolution mechanism outside schools and courts. However, Azalina emphasized that the TAB is not a replacement for the courts and will remain impartial to both victims and perpetrators. She added that the tribunal evaluates both the victim and the perpetrator, providing awards that include emotional support for those facing mental challenges.

Since its launch in June, the TAB has handled 68 cases, with the majority of them coming from secondary school students aged 13 to 17, particularly from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. The increasing number of cases indicates growing awareness of bullying, which Azalina believes will ultimately decrease as perpetrators realize they will be held accountable.

The Cabinet is considering expanding the TAB's services to adults aged 18 and above who face bullying, but this decision will require further deliberation with the Higher Education Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry. Azalina also highlighted the need for trauma handling training, private counselling, and psychological interventions for teachers dealing with bullying cases, drawing parallels to countries like New Zealand and the United Kingdom.