ISKANDAR PUTERI, Sept 19 — The Government is considering proposals to extend the age group in the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill, rather than focusing solely on those under 18 years.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, stated that the matter was raised during feedback at Anti-Bullying Town Hall sessions and via the Institutional Reform Map (PetaRI) portal.
She said the majority of views urged for the Bill to have a broader scope, given that bullying cases are not only prevalent in schools but have also been reported in higher education institutions, as well as police and military colleges.
“If it is opened to all age groups, it would not only involve the Ministry of Education but also the Ministry of Higher Education, public and private educational institutions, and even military and police colleges, as elements of bullying also occur there.
“So far, there has been significant feedback calling for a more open approach, but the matter is still under review,” she told reporters after the Johor state-level Anti-Bullying Town Hall session at Bangunan Sultan Ismail today.
Azalina, who is also the Pengerang member of parliament, said the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill, currently being drafted by the government, is expected to reduce the number of such cases in the country.
Citing the Sexual Harassment Tribunal as an example, she explained that the tribunal mechanism enables a faster resolution of complaints, thereby raising public awareness.
“With the establishment of this tribunal, perpetrators will think twice before acting, as they will be aware of its expedited process… it is anticipated that the number of cases will consequently decrease, Insya-Allah,” she said.
Furthermore, Azalina encouraged members of the public unable to attend the town hall sessions to share their views online via the PetaRI portal, which provides a dedicated section for comments, criticisms, and suggestions to strengthen the draft of the Bill.
Azalina previously stated that the government expects to table the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill in Parliament in October.
She added that all stakeholder engagement sessions are expected to be concluded in September, before the final proposal is presented to the Cabinet for approval. — Bernama
