Education minister Fadhlina Sidek has denied claims that schools hide bullying cases to protect their rankings.
During a townhall session today, a participant alleged that some schools concealed bullying cases to ensure their standings did not drop.
Speaking to reporters after the townhall session, Fadhlina said such ranking systems did not exist and bullying cases must be reported in line with the ministry’s regulations.
“All schools carry a major responsibility in tackling bullying. It is not only a legal or regulatory matter but also a moral obligation rooted in the foundation of education,” she said during a press conference.
“Administrators and teachers must take full responsibility when bullying occurs, and all cases must be investigated transparently.
“We will not compromise if we find that bullying incidents are being swept under the carpet.”
Fadhlina said the ministry had modified its complaints portal to allow students to report bullying cases anonymously.
During the townhall, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) children’s commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki noted that bullying cases in public schools had seen a sharp increase over the past three years.
She said the education ministry recorded 3,883 bullying cases in 2022, 6,528 in 2023 and 7,681 last year.
Secondary schools accounted for the highest numbers – 3,064 cases in 2022, 5,418 in 2023, and 5,689 in 2024. Cases in primary schools increased from 819 in 2022 to 1,110 in 2023, and 1,992 in 2024.
“We cannot take bullying lightly. Not only does it affect the safety and well-being of children, it also has long-term consequences on their emotional development and future,” she said.
A bill to set up a proposed anti-bullying tribunal is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat at its October meeting.
Last Sunday, law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said a tribunal would be able to expedite case hearings compared with lengthy court processes.
