BULLYING in Malaysian schools rose sharply in 2024, with 7,681 cases reported compared to 6,528 in the previous year, according to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
The figures, sourced from the Student Discipline Management System (SSDM), revealed that 5,689 incidents took place in secondary schools, while 1,992 involved primary school pupils.
“The ministry takes this issue seriously and has implemented various programmes to ensure it does not continue to spread,” said Fadhlina in a written parliamentary reply to Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof, who had requested a breakdown of the data and clarification on efforts to prevent bullying from becoming entrenched in school culture.
Fadhlina said the government is currently drafting amendments to the Education Regulations (Student Discipline) under the Education Act 1996, aimed at enhancing enforcement mechanisms and providing clearer direction for educators in handling student misconduct.
Speaking during a session in the Dewan Negara on Tuesday, she reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to tackling the issue holistically.
“We want to emphasise that we view bullying as an issue that must be addressed comprehensively and effectively,” she said in response to a question from Senator Musoddak Ahmad.
“At the start of 2023, when the Madani government took office, the first thing we did was ensure that anti-bullying guidelines were fully implemented and enforced effectively.”
Fadhlina also made clear that the ministry would take firm action against school administrators, teachers, or officials at state or district education departments found to have covered up bullying incidents.
“We are implementing intervention programmes, including the Bangkit Bermaruah initiative, to strengthen the psychosocial well-being of students in collaboration with school counsellors,” she added.
“The ministry will not compromise on any form of bullying that occurs in educational institutions.” - August 27, 2025
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