KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Bullying Act 2026 (Act 876) came into force nationwide on Tuesday (June 16).
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the legislation was the result of a consultation process involving nearly 3,000 stakeholders through 12 town halls and more than 700 public submissions.
“The Anti-Bullying Act 2026 (Act 876) officially comes into force today, June 16, 2026,” she said during the launch of the Anti-Bullying Tribunal here.
Azalina said more than 14,000 bullying cases are reported in schools annually, with serious consequences for the mental and emotional well-being of victims.
She said previous legal approaches had largely focused on criminal prosecution through existing provisions under the Penal Code.
“However, experience has shown that such an approach alone is insufficient,” she said.
As such, Azalina said Act 876 was introduced with a more holistic and restorative approach aimed not only at punishing offenders, but also at supporting victims, guiding perpetrators and ensuring a more consistent, swift and effective system for managing bullying cases.
She said the legislation marked a significant step towards fostering a safer environment while strengthening institutional responses to bullying nationwide.
