IPOH: Perak recorded 163 bullying cases in schools last year, says state education committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah.
He said that of these cases, 136 occurred on school premises, 22 in hostels and five outside school grounds.
Khairudin said the district with the highest number of cases was Kinta Utara, which recorded 42 incidents, including 39 in schools, two in hostels and one outside school.
"For 2026, up to Feb 28, a total of 24 bullying cases were reported statewide.
"This includes 18 cases in schools, four in hostels and two outside school areas.
"The highest number of cases during this period was recorded in Manjung, with nine cases in total," he said at the state assembly sitting on Thursday (April 16).
He was replying to Chaw Kam Foon (PH–Menglembu), who had asked about the state government's plans and measures to address bullying in educational institutions in the state.
Khairudin said the state government views bullying in educational institutions as a serious issue and remains committed to strengthening a comprehensive prevention approach to ensure schools remain safe learning environments.
He said that among the key initiatives implemented is an empowerment programme for senior assistants in charge of student affairs, conducted in early March this year, aimed at strengthening their competency in handling critical student issues, particularly bullying and matters involving student safety.
"In addition, preventive efforts include proposed anti-bullying awareness campaigns, student self-development sessions, emotional well-being modules and risk-based intervention programmes," he said.
He added that the Perak Education Department also held a state-level workshop for school discipline teachers in March to strengthen enforcement capacity and procedural compliance.
Meanwhile, he said the department has enhanced cooperation with the police, which includes awareness talks, school engagement sessions and guidance programmes on child protection, as well as exposure to the early signs of abuse and exploitation, reporting procedures and protective measures.
"The initiative aims to ensure schools are better prepared to handle high-risk cases and respond in accordance with legal procedures.
"Parents and guardians must also play a more active role in monitoring their children's behaviour and online activity, as responsibility should not rest solely on schools," he said.
