KUALA LUMPUR: Close to 3,000 bully cases were recorded in government schools last year, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Of the number, 2,149 comprises cases were in secondary schools while another 740 cases were recorded in primary schools.
She gave her assurance that strict and comprehensive action will continue being taken to curb bullying, ensuring that the safety, welfare and wellbeing of students are always upheld.
“There is no compromise. Curbing bullying is a long-term and continuous effort that also requires commitment at all levels to create a safe and conducive school ecosystem,” she said in a written reply on Thursday (Feb 12).
Fadhlina added that safety audits were carried out at 1,758 schools as of Nov 19 last year, to ensure standard operating procedures at schools are adhered to.
“The SOP on bullying and sexual misconduct was also reviewed alongside reforms to the bullying reporting system to protect the identity of complainants and witnesses,” she said.
Other measures taken, she said, include the installation of closed-circuit television systems (CCTV) and implementation of mental health and psychosocial support programmes.
According to the minister, some RM3 mil was spent to install CCTVs at 200 boarding schools, with the project having been completed as of Nov 19 last year.
An additional RM5 mil has been allocated for CCTVs at 333 other boarding schools.
Some 600 assistant wardens are also set to be appointed this year, in efforts to improve monitoring at boarding schools especially at night.
According to the minister, some 523 Guidance and Counselling Teachers have also been placed at schools nationwide last year.
“These steps provide additional support to school authorities in the context of managing student safety,” Fadhlina said.
The ministry also works closely with the police, through school liaison officers who visit schools from time-to-time.
This officer, she said, will also review complaints made by students.
“We are committed to ensuring every child lives in a school ecosystem that is guaranteed to be safe and harmonious. Allowing them to undergo a quality education,” Fadhlina added.
She further noted how the Safe Schools concept establishes the need to create a stable physical, social and emotional environment for all in schools.
Fadhlina was responding to Zakri Hassan (PN-Kangar) who asked for the latest statistics on bullying cases and efforts to curb them.
