THE government is considering drafting separate anti-bullying legislation for children and adults to account for demographic differences, particularly in school environments, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced today.
A Cabinet paper on the proposal will soon be presented to the Jemaah Menteri (Council of Ministers), and if approved, the bill would include provisions for the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Bullying Tribunal.
“Many have asked whether we should have a single set of laws covering all age groups or whether it should be divided according to age demographics,” Azalina said at a press conference following her role as moderator in a youth bullying forum held as part of the International Young Future Summit.
She explained that with over 5.1 million students enrolled across more than 10,000 schools nationwide, the dynamics and forms of bullying among children may significantly differ from those involving adults.
“If the bill combines all age groups, we fear it might create stark disparities due to the very different circumstances faced by children and adults,” she added.
The proposed Anti-Bullying Tribunal would serve as an alternative platform for victims — or their families — who are dissatisfied with decisions made by authorities, particularly schools. Unlike police investigations, tribunal proceedings would not be tied to broader criminal case backlogs and could offer swifter resolutions.
“This tribunal is essentially aimed at finding solutions. The bill will also allow direct communication with the tribunal if parties are unhappy with outcomes at the school level,” Azalina said.
She also noted that the government is assessing the tribunal’s potential as a quasi-judicial platform capable of mediating or adjudicating cases confidentially.
“For individuals aged 18 and above, the context shifts slightly, and we are examining whether certain acts should still be treated as criminal offences. All of this will be considered by the Cabinet,” she said. - October 13, 2025
