KELANTAN police have received more than five reports of bullying across the state in the past two weeks, following the viral case involving Form 1 student, the late Zara Qairina Mahathir.
State Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat confirmed the rise in reports, noting that the tragic case had prompted many individuals to come forward, highlighting the growing awareness of bullying, which was previously often underestimated by some.
"Along with physical bullying, cyberbullying is also increasingly being recognised, and many who had not previously understood its impact are now coming forward to report incidents," he said. "The rise in these reports shows a growing public awareness of the dangers of bullying and its long-term effects on victims," he added, speaking after officiating the closing ceremony of the Kelantan State Endurance Horse Championship 2025 in Kubang Golok, Bachok, on Saturday.
Yusoff explained that every school in Kelantan now has a liaison officer working with the police to address social issues. "In addition to anti-drug campaigns, we are also raising awareness about other worrying social issues, such as underage rape and the increasing LGBT phenomenon in the state."
He noted that more schools are requesting awareness talks on bullying, rape, and other social concerns, demonstrating the growing concern within the community to protect the younger generation from falling into social problems.
"In fact, we have also appointed mosque liaison officers, consisting of police officers, in local mosques to hold sessions with the community on the importance of maintaining social harmony and safeguarding youth from immoral acts," Yusoff added. - August 30, 2025
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