KUALA LUMPUR: More than 4,000 bullying cases were recorded in schools between March and August this year, with almost half comprising physical bullying, the Dewan Rakyat heard.
The Education Ministry said 2,480 cases involved physical bullying, 1,386 comprised verbal bullying, 243 were non-verbal bullying and 180 were cyberbullying.
“The figures show that efforts to eradicate bullying must be continuous and not only limited to disciplinary action.
“Each complaint must be given the appropriate attention and investigated in accordance with the set procedures and followed by the necessary intervention measures,” it said in a written parliamentary reply yesterday.
The ministry added that various measures have been taken to improve safety and monitoring, including the installation of CCTVs at 200 boarding schools last year through an allocation of RM3mil.
The initiative, it said, was continued this year with CCTVs installed at 333 boarding schools.
“For Phase 3 next year, RM15mil has been allocated to expand CCTV installation across 1,000 schools nationwide,” it said.
It added that 300 MySTEP Hostel Warden Assistants (MyPWA) have been deployed to boarding schools since April 1 this year.
The ministry also said physical facilities alone cannot be relied on for safety monitoring.
“Supervision by school personnel, awareness of changes in student behaviour and prompt action in response to complaints are also essential components in ensuring a safe hostel environment,” it said.
