KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has ordered disciplinary action against students who allegedly bullied another student in a recently circulated video online.
The ministry said it will not compromise on bullying in any of the educational institutions under its purview.
"The ministry takes note of media reports regarding a bullying case that has gone viral today (Monday).
"The respective schools have been instructed to take disciplinary action against the students and the related misconduct is duly recorded.
"Immediate action has been taken to ensure immediate resolution of the matter," it said in a statement to the New Straits Times.
The ministry has taken initial steps to address this case based on Special Circular (SPI) Number 12 of 2023: Implementation of Guidelines for Managing Bullying in Educational Institutions under the MoE.
This includes contacting parents and guardians, conducting thorough and detailed investigations, notifying the School Liaison Officer of the police force and providing counselling services to all involved students.
The ministry also called on all parties, including the media, to adhere to existing laws by not disclosing the identities of children involved in bullying.
"The Child Act 2001 [Act 611] stipulates that children's identities in criminal cases should not be disclosed and must be protected.
"The cooperation of the entire community is also requested not to normalise bullying behaviour," it said.