KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The Ministry of Education (MOE) is implementing comprehensive reforms to enhance student safety and discipline, including a proposal to introduce an Anti-Bullying Bill through a tribunal system, which is currently under review by the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU).

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the initiatives are part of new measures introduced following the establishment of the Educational Institutions Security Reform Committee (JKRKIP) and the implementation of safety audits in 735 schools nationwide since August. 

“Among the key reforms is the introduction of an anonymous complaint feature to protect the identities of complainants and witnesses, along with the revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs) on bullying and sexual misconduct to ensure a more systematic and comprehensive approach,” he said in response to a question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) regarding the MOE’s concrete measures to address bullying cases in schools during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said the MOE has also introduced the MADANI Generation Character Building programme, which emphasises intellectual, personality and spiritual balance, with character-building elements to be incorporated into the 2027 curriculum to help students manage emotions and develop empathy.

According to data from the Student Self-Personality System (SSDM), a total of 7,681 bullying cases were recorded in 2024, compared with 6,528 cases in 2023. However, Wong expressed confidence that the number of incidents can be reduced through a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving schools, parents, and the community.

“Efforts to combat bullying must be carried out without compromise by all parties. It is not merely a disciplinary matter, but a shared responsibility in shaping a moral and safe generation,” he said.

In response to Halimah’s supplementary question on the role of schools in helping students manage their emotions, Wong said the appointment of character ambassadors and peer mentors (PRS) provides alternative support channels for students who may be afraid to report bullying cases directly to teachers.

He also explained that Special Circular 12/2023 outlines detailed procedures for handling cases of physical, verbal, and non-verbal bullying, covering aspects such as disciplinary processes, appeals, and case management records.

In response to a supplementary question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah) regarding the need for full-time wardens, Wong said the number of hostel wardens had increased by 68.5 per cent over the past three years – from 6,055 in 2022 to 10,204 this year.

“For schools with 50 hostel students, three wardens are now allocated, compared to only one previously. In addition to teachers, the appointment has also been extended to members of the implementation group to ensure that responsibilities are carried out effectively,” he said.

He said the MOE had also received feedback on the appointment of part-time wardens from the police and military, as piloted at the MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSM), to strengthen disciplinary control and supervision.

According to him, spot checks will continue to be conducted by the ministry’s top management, as well as by state education departments and district education offices, to ensure full compliance with safety and discipline standard operating procedures (SOPs) in all schools, including during the night. — Bernama

 Malay Mail – Malaysia