PETALING JAYA: “Boys will be boys” is no longer acceptable.
Bullying can no longer be dismissed as typical childhood behaviour, with the Anti-Bully Bill 2025 now providing a unified legal definition, say experts.
The clarity on what legally constitutes bullying will prevent schools from interpreting bullying selectively, crime prevention specialist Shamir Rajadurai said.
However, he said effective implementation will require consistent investigative action and the closing of legal loopholes.
“Malaysia has a rare opportunity to build a world-leading child-protection framework.
“The Anti-Bully Bill must be bold, clear and enforceable.
“If we get this right, we will save thousands of children from harm, not just now but for generations,” said Shamir when asked about the Bill that was tabled at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
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“We have to understand that the law cannot eliminate bullying. But it can build systems that make silence impossible, negligence unacceptable and protection non-negotiable.”
The AntiBuli.my co-founder said the definition of bullying must be comprehensive, encompassing physical, verbal, social, psychological, cyber, peer-to-peer, group and authority-to-child bullying.
It should also include retaliation, witness intimidation, cover-ups and institutional negligence, including the failure of schools or organisations to act.
He said the Bill should mandate institutional duty of care, shifting responsibility from the child to institutions like schools, universities and childcare centres, with trained staff following clear protocols.
Shamir added that the Anti-Bully Tribunal must be comprised of experts, including criminologists and crime prevention specialists.
“This means schools must hand over documents, CCTV recordings, investigation notes and witness lists. Without this power, many cases will simply be swept under the carpet,” he said.
Gerakan Gubal Akta Anti Buli (GAB) chairman Wan Azliana Wan Adnan said the tabling of the Bill marks a milestone, and will ensure that bullying is formally recognised and addressed under the law.
“We have been fighting for clear definitions, effective reporting mechanisms and avenues for justice, and this Bill is a significant step forward.
“The Act, once passed, will make it easier for victims aged 18 and below to seek justice, hold perpetrators accountable and even claim compensation for the harm they have suffered,” she said.
Wan Azliana added that the proposed Anti-Bully Tribunal follows a framework similar to the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal – operational since 2024 – and allows victims to seek justice without incurring high legal costs.
“It should not be limited to victims at the school level only.
“Bullying can happen anywhere, at any age, even in universities or workplaces,” she said.
National Association of Skilled Workers (Belia Mahir) president Mohammad Rizan Hassan expressed hope that the Bill will not just punish offenders but also promote education and rehabilitation.
“It should involve all parties: schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, parents, communities, industries, authorities and non-government organisations,” he said.
He emphasised that recovery systems, counselling, restorative mediation and values-based education should form the core of the framework.
He added that Belia Mahir is also committed to acting as a ground-level partner to ensure the Bill translates into tangible change, rather than serving as a mere legal formality.
