- Bullying cases rose to 7,681 in 2024, up from 6,528 in 2023
- Character-building & mental health programmes launched to foster safer schools
- Spot checks, SOP reforms & CCTV installations planned to strengthen discipline
The Malaysian Education Ministry has stepped up the fight against school bullying as incidents grew to 7,681 in 2024 from 6,528 in 2023, based on the Student Discipline Management System (SSDM).
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stressed that the ministry has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and will take swift action using available mechanisms such as Circular No. 4 of 2002 (Safe School Programme) and a standard operating procedure (SOP) for reporting and acting on disciplinary misconduct.
Preventative programmes such as the Madani Generation Character Building programme are designed to develop students all-round intellectually, personally, and spiritually while establishing a secure and disciplined school culture. Character Ambassadors, Peer Counsellors, and student leaders will also be involved in counseling peers and deterring misconduct, such as cyberbullying.
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The Healthy Mind Screening programme also works to foster awareness of mental health, emotional management, and self-care among students.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh made an announcement that random spot checks, even at night, will now be carried out in schools to deter bullying. He also confirmed safety checks, tightened SOPs, and checks for accountability on school principals and district education offices that do not respond to bullying incidents.
Malaysian Education Ministry to double efforts to enhance hostel safety, teachers will still serve as wardens because of their close relationship with students. RM3 million has also been allocated by the ministry to install CCTVs in school hostels across the country, following unease expressed in Parliament after the Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir's tragic death.
