KUALA LUMPUR: Bullying cases in schools have increased sharply since 2022, says Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
The Inspector-General of Police said a total of 3,883 bullying cases occurred in 2022, according to the Education Ministry's Student Discipline Management System (SSDM).
"The number of cases showed a sharp spike in 2023, where 6,528 cases were recorded," he said in his speech before launching the police's Anti-Bullying campaign on Tuesday (Oct 14).
"Last year, the number of cases increased to 7,681 cases," he added.
He said more than 70% of reported incidents occurred in secondary schools.
"Police statistics revealed a total of 129 bullying cases have been reported since the enforcement of the Penal Code (Amendment) 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) 2025, as of Oct 12.
"These amendments were introduced to address bullying more effectively and comprehensively," he said.
The consistent rise in bullying cases has prompted authorities to intensify prevention and enforcement efforts, the IGP said.
"Strong inter-agency cooperation is integral to effectively curb bullying.
"Thus the anti-bullying campaign is part of a comprehensive agenda to ensure bullying prevention measures are implemented effectively and continuously across all schools," he said.
Mohd Khalid said victims of bullying often suffer physical, mental, emotional, and behavioural effects for a long period.
"Trauma from bullying can significantly disrupt academic performance and overall wellbeing.
"Bullying should never be treated lightly as it tarnishes our culture of respect, courtesy, and tolerance," he said.
While legal action is necessary, authorities emphasised that prevention must come first, he added.
"Character and spiritual education, they said, should be prioritised to build a resilient and compassionate society.
"Parents, teachers, peers, and the wider community all have crucial roles to play.
"The public was urged to cultivate Islamic values and universal principles such as kindness, empathy, and justice," he said.
The IGP said the police are also enhancing the role of School Liaison Officers to conduct awareness campaigns, dialogue sessions, and encouraging broader school community involvement.
"We urge students to speak up and report bullying, whether to teachers, parents, or authorities.
"They can use the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) platform to report such incidents safely," he said.
He also reminded parents to stay alert to behavioural changes in their children, while teachers were encouraged to create safe, inclusive classroom environments and act promptly if signs of bullying appear.
On the anti-bullying campaign, Mohd Khalid said it aims to promote safer, more harmonious learning spaces across the nation.
"I hope this campaign achieves its goals. Let us stand together to build an environment that is safe, peaceful, and free from bullying," he said.
