KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry is conducting an investigation into a viral video that shows a school pupil being bullied to ensure that action is taken and the matter is resolved immediately.
The ministry, in a statement on Saturday (Jan 6) said that initial steps taken are based on the Special Circular Letter (SPI) Number 12 of 2023: Implementation of Guidelines for the Management of Misbehaviour of Bullying in Educational Institutions Under the Education Ministry.
"This includes contacting parents or guardians, conducting a transparent and detailed investigation, informing the school liaison officer (PPS) from the police and providing counselling services to all pupils involved.
"The school is also requested to ensure that disciplinary action is taken against the guilty pupil(s) and recorded. The ministry will not tolerate bullying in educational institutions," according to the statement.
The video shows a teenager sitting on another as they wrestle in some bushes. He then takes a plastic bag filled with dried leaves and throws it on the victim's head.
The ministry also called on all parties, including the media and the public, to comply with the provisions of the law by not disclosing the identity of the minors involved.
"The Child Act provides that the identity of children involved in criminal cases cannot be disclosed and must be protected. The cooperation of the whole community is also requested to not normalise the misconduct of bullying," according to the ministry.
Complaints on bullying and sexual harassment can be made through the special bully complaint line on WhatsApp, e-mail: adubuli@moe.gov.my and at the Public Complaints Management System (Sispaa). – Bernama
