KUALA LUMPUR: The number of bullying cases in schools continues to climb with 7,681 cases last year compared to 6,528 in 2023, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
The figures are based on data from the Student Discipline Management System (SSDM), she added.
According to Fadhlina, the ministry viewed the issue seriously and has implemented various programmes to ensure that it does not continue to spread.
ALSO READ: Anti-bullying rules to be improved
"Of last year's cases, 1,992 involve primary schools and 5,689 cases involve secondary schools," she said in a parliamentary written reply to Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam).
Azli had asked the ministry to provide statistics on bullying among primary and secondary school students.
He also wanted the ministry to outline the measures taken to prevent this issue from spreading and becoming an unhealthy and dangerous culture.
Fadhlina said the ministry was looking to draft new amendments to the Education Regulations (Student Discipline) under the Education Act 1996.
ALSO READ: Bullying culture in schools a worrying trend, says Hajiji
"This new draft is aimed at strengthening the enforcement of regulations, as well as providing clearer guidance to teachers in managing cases of student disciplinary misconduct.
"Combating bullying is an ongoing and continuous effort, and it requires commitment from all parties involved," she added
Fadhlina said that Circular No. 4 of 2002: Implementation of the Safe School Programme aims to create a safe school environment for teaching, learning and co-curricular activities to be carried out without disruption from any party, whether from within or outside the school.
ALSO READ: Malaysia must invest in preventing bullying in schools
This is strengthened by the implementation of standard operating procedures for reporting and acting on students with disciplinary issues, she added.
"This SOP ensures that any disciplinary misconduct is reported immediately to the ministry's top management so that swift and effective action can be taken."
In addition, the ministry has implemented preventive measures such as the Madani Generation Character Building Programme, she said.
"The programme aims to develop students’ character holistically by balancing intellectual, personal and spiritual dimensions, while supporting the creation of a safe, disciplined school culture focused on well-being," she added.
