Activist launches anti-bullying campaign in Zara Qairina's name

KOTA KINABALU: A social activist from Papar has launched an anti-bullying poster campaign to raise awareness in schools and public spaces.

Adrian Edy Siaw Chee Hua, 29, known for his community initiatives, said he was inspired to act following the death of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha student Zara Qairina Mahathir.

“I began at Sekolah Kebangsaan St Mary, where it was easier to approach the headmaster as I had helped the school set up a ‘stationery bank’.

“With the principal’s support, I started placing the posters there. Other schools, offices and universities are also welcome to participate. I have shared the poster designs on my Facebook page so anyone can print them easily,” he said, adding that an A3-size print cost about RM20.

Siaw, who has 225,000 followers on Facebook for his work assisting the poor, said Zara Qairina’s case had a profound effect on many and motivated him to take action.

“As an ordinary citizen, I want to help raise awareness about bullying, which I believe is a serious issue right now. It may seem like a small effort, but if many get involved, the impact could be significant.

“Perhaps a student considering bullying might change their mind after seeing the poster. We might never know, but it could make a difference.”

He added that friends in Keningau and several Facebook followers had expressed interest in displaying the posters in their own communities.

Siaw hopes more communities will adopt the campaign to spread the anti-bullying message further.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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