KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry is exploring the possibility of introducing a mentor-mentee system under the 'Rakan Muda' programme to address bullying issues among students and youths.
Minister Hannah Yeoh said the initiative would involve experienced youth leaders and professional youth workers serving as mentors to guide young people, particularly in dealing with bullying and emotional well-being.
She said the proposal was among the key recommendations raised during the Youth Roundtable Discussion: Ending Bullying Culture, Building a Caring Generation, organised by the ministry and attended by some 200 anti-bullying experts, senior government officials, academics, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and youth representatives.
"One of the most interesting points raised by the NGOs was the importance of having a mentor-mentee system involving older youths and professional youth workers.
"This proposal has been recommended for immediate implementation," she told reporters after chairing the session here on Thursday (Oct 16).
She said volunteers involved in the mentor-mentee system must undergo training to ensure they can play their roles effectively.
"It could be risky if untrained mentors give unprofessional or inaccurate advice," she added.
Hannah said the proposed system aligns with the government's commitment under Budget 2026, which allocated RM5mil to the ministry to implement the 'Lawan Buli' (Fight Bullying) initiative.
All recommendations from the roundtable, she said, will be compiled and presented to the Cabinet within three weeks as part of a policy brief to strengthen a whole-of-government approach involving various ministries and agencies.
She added that the proposals could serve as a reference for the Education Ministry and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said in their efforts to tackle bullying.
Hannah emphasised that combating bullying requires a holistic approach, not only through legal or disciplinary action but also through values education, awareness campaigns and community engagement.
"The Youth and Sports Ministry, through IYRES (Malaysian Institute for Youth Research and Development) and JBSN (National Youth and Sports Department), will continue to create safe and inclusive spaces for youth to voice opinions, develop potential and contribute to society," she said. - Bernama
