JOHOR BARU: Johor is setting up a task force comprising police and other agencies to tackle bullying in the state, says a state executive councillor.
State education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said that there would be three other executive councillors overseeing health, education, Islamic affairs and welfare involved in this task force.
“We are having our first meeting today,” he said during a press conference after the 2025 Citra Karisma event in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) on Monday (Aug 18).
Aznan was commenting on the case that happened in February involving a 10-year-old boy, who is also battling nasal cancer, who suffered a concussion after he was allegedly bullied at a religious school here.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, in a Facebook post the same day, said such cases must be handled fairly and transparently in line with established guidelines.
Azman stressed that although the incident happened some time ago, the state took the matter seriously and decisions would only be made after thorough discussions involving all parties.
He said Johor also plans to introduce awareness programmes under the Johor Safe campaign and No Bully campaign to address similar incidents in schools.
Meanwhile, UTM gave recognition to its staff at the 2025 Citra Karisma event, honouring 392 recipients with the Excellent Service Award and 152 others across 29 categories.
Officiated for the first time by Aznan, who is also the alumnus of UTM, the ceremony recognised outstanding contributions in teaching, research, leadership and administration.
