JOHOR MIC has launched an anti-bullying initiative that includes a hotline for children and parents to seek help on bullying cases.
Its deputy youth chief V. Ruggendran said the initiative, known as Youth Action Plan, would serve as a task force to help those unsure of what steps to take in a bullying incident.
“Victims and their parents may sometimes be confused about what to do or where to lodge a report, whether with the police, district education office, school principal or headmaster.
“In such a situation, they can reach out to our task force so that we can guide them on how to address the matter and who to approach.
“The task force would not directly provide professional counselling but could advise victims and their families on whether counselling or other assistance might be needed,” he said in an interview.
Ruggendran, who is also Johor deputy education and information committee chairman, said Johor MIC Youth members would take turns manning the hotline.
He said the hotline would operate up to 12 hours daily initially, with plans to expand into a round-the-clock service.
“The hotline will be open to all Johor folk regardless of race,” he said, adding that volunteers were equipped to handle calls in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Tamil.
Ruggendran said while the initiative would primarily focus on schoolchildren facing bullying, the platform would also refer cases involving teachers to the relevant authorities.
He said the initiative linked to MIC’s broader anti-bullying efforts, which began last year at the Police Training Centre in Kuala Lumpur under the party’s Briged wing.
“This initiative serves as a continuation of that effort, tailored specifically for Johor, and we hope to collaborate closely with the national Briged wing on future programmes,” he added.
The public seeking advice can reach the task force hotline at 011-1129 4617.
