Suhakam calls for govt to set up anti-bullying portal

Suhakam’s Children’s Commissioner’s Office (OCC) has called on the government to consider creating a one-stop anti-bullying portal.

It said the portal should let children lodge reports of bullying anonymously to ensure their safety, as well as give them the ability to track the progress of their reports.

“The portal should be child-friendly, multilingual, and accessible to children with disabilities, including featuring sign-language videos as well as text and audio options.

“It should also provide step-by-step guidance and direct links for emergencies, mental health issues, school problems, and cyber incidents, which could connect users to relevant authorities such as Talian Kasih, the Education Ministry, and the police.

“The website should also be linked directly to social media platforms for direct takedown requests,” said the OCC in a statement today.

It said the government should consider offering offline methods of lodging bullying reports, such as through complaint boxes at schools and institutions, as well as via SMS.

Stronger child protection in schools

Meanwhile, the OCC said all schools and dormitories are required to have a formal Child Protection Policy signed by teachers, wardens, and parents, and designed with the children’s input.

This policy should include anti-bullying clauses, clear reporting procedures, victim protection measures, and mandatory training.

“The parents, as well as the parent-teacher association (PTA) and the schools, must make a formal pledge to prevent bullying by attending workshops and actively following up on intervention plans for their kids.

“Teachers play a vital role in creating safe and inclusive learning environments.”

The OCC said the current teaching syllabus, especially involving children’s rights, at the Teacher’s Education Institute (IPG) is limited in scope, and was developed without consulting the commission.

Following this, the OCC suggested that the syllabus be reviewed to ensure alignment with the objectives of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Additionally, it said that the human rights module, developed together with IPG, is still optional and should be made mandatory for all trainee teachers.

This is to ensure educators are well-equipped to protect, uphold, and promote children’s rights.

“The OCC further calls on the government, Education Ministry, schools, teachers, parents, and the community to take urgent action.

“Enforcement of laws, enhancement of reporting channels, and safeguarding the privacy of children, regardless of whether they are victims or alleged perpetrators, are essential.

“Bullying is not rooted in our culture; it is a violation of rights that must be eliminated.”

Push for stronger action

Bullying violates the CRC, which Malaysia has ratified, and is punishable under the law, including the recent introduction of sections 507B to 507G of the Penal Code.

Section 507 criminalises intimidation by anonymous communication, while subsections B to G criminalise conduct associated with bullying, including verbal abuse, psychological harassment, and online threats.

The OCC said every child is entitled to attend school and reside in a dormitory free from fear, harassment, or violence.

“We emphasise that all forms of bullying are unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”

Earlier, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar decreed that the government implement a comprehensive anti-bullying campaign, beginning at the primary school level, to curb the growing problem.

The king warned that if bullying is not addressed early in primary schools, it risks producing a generation lacking respect and compassion for one another.

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