KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 9,207 bullying cases were recorded in schools nationwide from 2021 to October this year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying said of the total; 326 cases were reported in 2021, followed by 3,887 cases in 2022 and 4,994 cases from January to October this year.
All the cases, she said, had been investigated, followed by follow-up actions, especially in terms of guidance and counselling.
"Bullying cases, or social issues, involve various parties, not just parents. The involvement of the non-governmental organisations and the local community is also necessary.
"The ministry's goal is to ensure that bullying cases can be reduced, especially by providing appropriate guidance to both the bullies and those being bullied," she said in response to Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (PH-Balik Pulau).
In his supplementary question, Bakhtiar asked about the number of bullying cases in schools.
Meanwhile, in reply to another supplementary question from Dr Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi (PN-Kuala Kedah), Lim said the ministry will increase the number of guidance and counselling teachers, should there be an increase in bullying cases.
"The answer is yes. We will ensure an increase in the number of guidance and counselling teachers.
"This is because those involved (the bullies and those being bullied) need guidance for their wrongdoings.
"Therefore, counselling is essential."
Earlier, in a reply to the initial question from Bakhtiar, Lim said the Education Ministry had launched the seven core pillars of Nadi Keunggulan KPM.
"Through the second core, the ministry emphasises the aspect of human dignity by instilling good manners, morals and integrity, while creating a harmonious environment that avoids negative phenomena such as sexual harassment, bullying, extremism, gangsterism, and vandalism."
Bakhtiar asked about the efforts taken by the Education Ministry to tackle bullying at schools that are running rampant.
As for schools, Lim said complaint boxes were set up in schools and hostels, along with strengthening the school and hostel discipline committees.
"Others include taking action against and punishing students who engage in bullying behaviour in schools or hostels," she said anti-bullying committees have been established in every state education department through the anti-bullying committee.
"We have also established close cooperation with the police through the School Liaison Officer (PPS).
"Every secondary and primary school has a PPS who continuously accompanies and collaborates with the school, including organising programmes to prevent bullying."
Lim added the ministry is committed to increasing students' awareness to prevent bullying in schools.
"We also highly value the role of the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG), NGOs and the local community, which consistently collaborate with schools to address bullying among students."