KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering introducing separate legislation to address bullying among both children and adults, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the Cabinet would decide whether the proposed Anti-Bullying Bill should be divided into two frameworks, one for minors under 18 and another for adults, to ensure suitable treatment for each group according to its context.
"Many have asked whether we should have one law for all or separate laws for different age groups. The Cabinet will have to decide on this, and I will present the pros and cons.
"The technical committee will continue engagement sessions across the East Coast and in Sabah and Sarawak to refine the Bill," she told reporters after moderating the forum, Nation Building and Future Resilience: Youth and Bullying, held in conjunction with the International Young Future Leaders Summit (iFuture) 2025, here on Monday (Oct 13).
Azalina said the Bill would authorise the establishment of an Anti-Bullying Tribunal, aimed at providing an alternative avenue for victims, particularly those dissatisfied with procedures carried out by the authorities, including schools.
She said the proposal is being carefully studied as its implementation scope is extensive, with over 10,000 schools and 5.1 million students nationwide.
On the proposed tribunal, Azalina said it would expedite investigation procedures, as the body would not be bound by other criminal cases handled by the police.
Her ministry is also studying a quasi-judicial mechanism, a specialised court-like platform operating more swiftly and confidentially through mediation or punitive measures, while the government intends to provide a clearer legal definition of bullying to cover physical, verbal, emotional, social and cyber abuse.
"This Bill will allow victims or their representatives to communicate directly with the tribunal if they are dissatisfied with the school's decision. Essentially, the tribunal serves to find resolutions.
"However, in the current context, for individuals aged 18 and above, the matter will be viewed differently, whether it still constitutes a criminal offence or otherwise. All these aspects will be deliberated by the Cabinet," she said.
Azalina added that the government's objective is to ensure the Anti-Bullying Tribunal complements, rather than replaces, the existing systems within the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry, filling the existing gaps and ensuring consistency in handling cases.
In addition, she said the Bill would also extend protection to minors not enrolled in formal education, guaranteeing access to justice for all children under 18, regardless of their educational status. - Bernama
