MELAKA: Two recent bullying cases in Melaka schools have been classified as emotional rather than physical aggression, says Datuk Rahmad Mariman.
The Melaka education, higher learning and religious affairs committee chairman said both incidents involved mocking and insulting the victims but were still deemed bullying cases.
“These incidents involve mocking and insulting the victims.
"Nevertheless, the Melaka Education Department will investigate both cases as they are considered bullying,” he told reporters after the ground-breaking ceremony for Sekolah Menengah Pay Fong’s hostel building on Thursday (Aug 21).
Rahmad said the department has a task force that was formed several years ago to address bullying cases.
“The task force actively engages with students to create awareness and discourage bullying.
"Bullying should never be taken lightly, whether physical or emotional, as it has lasting effects on students’ wellbeing and education,” he added.
Rahmad was commenting on two recent cases involving female students in the state.
One case involved a 16-year-old from Bukit Piatu who lodged a police report claiming classmates repeatedly ridiculed her as a “poor girl”.
The Form Four student alleged the taunts escalated to threats, leaving her traumatised and fearful of attending school.
Police sources said the bullying began in May when the student, then staying at the school hostel, refused to contribute money demanded by classmates to buy a bookshelf for personal use.
She later moved out of the hostel but said she still feared for her safety.
On August 19, another case emerged involving over 20 Form Three female students at a secondary school in Sungai Udang.
The incident, which occurred at the school dormitory in the early hours of August 16, involved elements of self-imposed punishment among students and was classified by the state government as a serious offence.
