Ministry to engage with stakeholders to clarify bullying guidelines

The Education Ministry will conduct engagement sessions with all stakeholders to explain the current guidelines for handling bullying offences, said Fadhlina Sidek.

The education minister said this is in response to one of the four demands in the #JusticeForZara memorandum submitted to the ministry by a group of student activists yesterday.

“The ministry is also open to views and suggestions to improve the existing guidelines,” she said in a Facebook post.

On the demand for a comprehensive reform of the national education system, particularly concerning bullying issues, Fadhlina (above) said the ministry had announced several measures to enhance safety.

“This includes conducting safety audits, improving the bullying complaint system, setting up a safety reform committee, taking stern action such as suspending and expelling students involved in bullying, and ensuring psychosocial support aspects are strengthened at every level,” she said.

On the demand for compulsory periodic training for all teachers, administrators, and wardens on crisis intervention, student emotional management, and professional procedures in handling bullying complaints, Fadhlina said training would continue to be enhanced.

She also said all educational institutions under the ministry’s purview must comply with the guidelines for tackling bullying offences.

Regarding the demand for an open explanation about the late Zara Qairina Mahathir, she said the ministry would fully cooperate with the investigation, and updates on the case would be communicated periodically by the police.

“The Education Ministry welcomes the police’s initiative to set up a special task force to handle the case involving the late Zara Qairina,” said Fadhlina, who met with the representatives of the student activists in Parliament to further discuss all concerns raised in the memorandum.

- Bernama

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