PETALING JAYA: While action against bullies must be taken, peer support programmes should be implemented for victims of bullying incidents, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said that this was also needed to ensure the wellbeing of victims is given due attention.
"What we need is a confidential reporting system where students can report incidents of bullying confidentially.
This includes implementing peer support programmes for those who have been made victims of school bullies," he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 17).
Lee noted that bullying is a serious matter and a form of violence which should not be tolerated.
"It is classified as a criminal act and tackling bullying in schools requires a comprehensive approach that involves students, parents, teachers and the community as a whole," he added.
Lee said that the installation of CCTVs at schools may not be enough to stem the problem.
"What needs to be done is to introduce anti-bullying policies in schools with clear guidelines to prevent acts of bullying.
"This includes promoting positive schooling culture such as respect and discipline among students," he said.
He added that teachers and school personnel need to be trained to recognise and intervene to prevent bullying from occurring.
On a separate matter, Lee said that the issue of drug addiction in the country requires a compassionate, realistic and evidence-based approach.
"For far too long, drug addicts have been treated as criminals when in reality, many of them are struggling with a sickness that needs treatment, not punishment.
"Drug addiction is fundamentally a health issue," he said.
Unless an addict commits a crime, he said that they should not be treated as criminals.
"Imprisoning addicts only worsens the problem, often pushing them deeper into the cycle of addiction and stigma, without addressing the root causes of their condition," he added.
Equally important, Lee said, is to encourage voluntary rehabilitation where addicts should feel safe and supported to come forward and seek help, without fear of punishment or discrimination.
By creating a system that prioritises treatment and rehabilitation, he said that not only would lives be saved but easing the burden on prisons, families and society at large.
With proper care, compassion and treatment, he said many addicts will be able to turn over a new leaf and contribute meaningfully to the community and the nation.
