KUALA LUMPUR: Some 31 cases of bullying were reported in eight public universities between 2014 and 2025, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the cases involved physical bullying and cyberbullying, which can stem from socio-psychological factors, campus environment, social media influence and lack of parental supervision.
He added that for public universities, students involved in bullying can face disciplinary action under Regulation 3(1)(a)(2) of the Student Disciplinary Rules, which were standardised through amendments in 2024.
"These rules provide for punishments based on the seriousness of the offence, including warnings, community service not exceeding 240 hours, fines of up to RM500, prohibition from entering certain areas of campus, expulsion from student residences, suspension, or expulsion from the university," he said during Ministers' Question Time (MQT) in Parliament Tuesday (Aug 12).
Zambry was responding to a question from Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) who asked to reveal the measures taken to curb bullying incidents in public and private higher education institutions.
The Higher Education Minister said that for private institutions, the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 places the responsibility on the chief executive to ensure student welfare and discipline, including the prevention and handling of bullying.
He also highlighted that the ministry practises zero tolerance towards bullying and will cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure transparent and professional investigations.
"Measures implemented across public universities include promoting a zero-tolerance culture, establishing reporting mechanisms, expanding CCTV coverage, conducting awareness programmes, strengthening character-building activities and developing standard operating procedures for managing misconduct," he said.
To a supplementary question on a proposal to adopt the "You Touch, You Go" approach practised by Mara Junior Science Colleges, where immediate action is taken when bullying is detected at higher education institutions, Zambry said higher education institutions have their own set of regulations to deal with bullying.
Any cases deemed serious or criminal in nature are immediately referred to the authorities, especially the police, he added.
