The Education Ministry formally announces that CCTV systems will soon be installed in all schools nationwide in order to prevent bullying and identify offenders, following the enshrining of anti-bullying laws into the Malaysian penal code. The ministry will also be strengthening disciplinary systems as well as enforcing stricter guidelines.
According to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, the decision was made after meeting with education sector stakeholders about curbing school bullying. Furthermore, teachers will also be assigned more time with students as another preventive measure to deter the act.
Fadhlina expressed that punitive actions alone are not enough to stop bullying and stressed that the focus should instead be on preventative measures. Datuk Nancy Shukri, Minister for Women, Family and Community Development, emphasised that this issue has been a growing concern and that they are no longer isolated incidents.
Shukri also added that “ragging” is another form of bullying and should not be tolerated due to the physical and emotional scars it can still leave. The minister then advocated that society should not remain silent and that they should quickly react to help victims and take serious actions against bullies. She also mentions the Talian Kasih hotline at 15999.
