Fresh approach needed, says Nancy as school bullying spikes in S’wak

MIRI – The scourge of school bullying is so entrenched that it cannot be tamed by current methods, a federal minister admitted today.

Women, Family and Community Development minister Datuk Nancy Shukri stated that a thorough review of the persistent issue and causes is needed.

This should include an overhaul of present punitive methods, she said today at a women’s  development seminar in Limbang town in northern Sarawak.

Her ministry is calling for thorough brainstorming among all education stakeholders, including schools, education officials and enforcement agencies.

“We need a fresh approach to bullying cases that involve students,” she said.

These include schools, the Education Department, enforcement agencies, and NGOs relating to family and community welfare bodies.

“The role of family and schools is central in finding a solution to the root cause of  bullying,” said Nancy, who is also Santubong MP.

In July, Nancy had said that victims of  bullying – at school or outside school – can seek immediate help by calling the 15999 Talian NUR hotline operated by her ministry.

“Victims can seek immediate help via the hotline,” she said.

The state has seen a spike in students being bullied and assaulted by their schoolmates.

On June 28, police in Sri Aman district in southern Sarawak detained eight secondary school students following allegations of sexual assault and bullying by a male schoolmate.

Sri Aman acting police chief Zuriawati Zainal said the suspects were nabbed after being identified using video evidence, among others.

In a police report on June 25, the victim, a minor, claimed to have been physically abused by his aggressors, who also allegedly touched his private parts.

Earlier in June, a Form 1 student in Kota Samarahan in southern Sarawak also reported that he had been assaulted by four schoolmates.

The alleged attack took place at a shopping mall after school hours, and police have identified the suspects and are taking action to solve the case.

Nancy urged victims and families of school bullies to quickly report such incidents, as swift action is needed to stop the bullying and get the relevant authorities to act. – The Vibes, August 28, 2023