A businessperson lodged a police report today over the suspicion that bullying may have contributed to his daughter’s death by suicide.

The private university student was found dead at a condominium in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday.

“I was informed by the condominium management around 8.45am that my daughter had died… before I rushed to the scene.

“I was told by my daughter’s friends that her coursemates were suspected of mentally bullying her. There was pressure from her friends due to disagreements,” Jeff Ho was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

Speaking at the Wangsa Maju district police headquarters, Ho revealed that his 22-year-old daughter had confided about the ordeal to her two siblings.

He also disclosed that just last week, security guards had intervened to rescue her while she was undergoing a mental health crisis.

Ho urged the authorities to prioritise bullying cases, warning that inaction could result in more victims.

The tragedy adds to a string of bullying-related cases that have dominated headlines in recent months.

Anti-bullying law

Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said mentioned the government would review the need for an Anti-Bullying Act, which could include establishing a tribunal to hear cases involving students and children.

Currently, there is no specific definition or punishment for bullying under existing laws.

“The word ‘bullying’ is not specified in the Penal Code, but to be fair, I am quite relieved we did amend and introduce Sections 507B to 507G of the Penal Code,” she noted.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said

Suicide is a complex phenomenon with multiple contributing factors, but it is preventable, and recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone - please reach out for support:

Talian Kasih Hotline: 15999 (Call) / +6019 26 15999 (WhatsApp)

Health Ministry’s Talian Heal: 15555 (8am - 12am daily)

The Befrienders Hotline: 03-76272929

Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia Hotline: 03-77855955 or 03-77810800

Life Line Association Malaysia Hotline: 03-42657995

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