KUALA LUMPUR: Steps such as increased monitoring via CCTVs have been taken to eradicate bullying in Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).
In a statement on Wednesday (Dec 4), the Armed Forces said that it welcomed the concerns of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on the issue.
"His Majesty's orders clearly show that bullying cannot be allowed to occur as it not only affects student unity but besmirches the reputation of this institution of higher education and the Armed Forces in general," it said.
It added that it had conducted full investigations and taken disciplinary action on such cases, and that investigations were conducted together with enforcement agencies such as the police.
Awareness programs were also conducted to prevent more incidents from occurring and 21 new CCTVs had been installed at living quarters.
"The living quarters for Year 1 cadets are now at Bukit Putera while other Years have been placed at the UPNM living quarters.
"This separation is to reduce physical interaction between senior and Year 1 cadets," it said.
The Armed Forces also said that patrols by trainers have been increased, especially after 11pm, and more manpower had been requested to ensure that monitoring is conducted more systematically.
For the long term, the Armed Forces said funds would be obtained to install CCTVs at all cadet living quarters.
Sultan Ibrahim, in His Majesty's inaugural address as UPNM chancellor on Tuesday, urged all parties to work towards ending the unhealthy practice and restore the university's good name.
"Parents send their children here to learn to become military officers, not to be bullied," His Majesty said.
