NIBONG TEBAL, Sept 27 — The Education Ministry (MOE) is open to the proposal for town hall sessions to draft the Anti-Bullying Bill in which primary and secondary school pupils will be included, to ensure their voices and views are taken into account.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the move was in line with the principle of comprehensive engagement, as students are the primary stakeholders in bullying-related issues.
“We have no problem with the proposal. I think it is a process that we normally carry out at the national level, which is to obtain direct feedback from students.
“As a result, we want this session to truly reflect the voices of children and students as they are the ones most affected by this issue,” she told the press after attending the Nibong Tebal Parliamentary-level Temu Rakyat programme today.
In another development, Fadhlina said the MOE is investigating a complaint involving a 14-year-old girl who was reported to be suffering from trauma, depression, and self-harming tendencies after allegedly being bullied.
“The Director-General of Education is investigating the matter and further action will be taken immediately,” she said.
On Tuesday (September 23), it was reported that a Form Two student, who was allegedly traumatised after being bullied by schoolmates, became depressed and developed self-harming tendencies.
Fadhlina, who is also Nibong Tebal MP, said the Temu Rakyat programme in the constituency would be held monthly to strengthen ties between the government and the local community.
Various government agencies were also integrated into the programme, including the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Home Affairs Ministry (KDN), the Social Welfare Department (JKM), and zakat centres, to assist the public in resolving issues related to documentation, welfare, education, housing, and health.
“Among today’s initiatives is a 50 per cent discount on traffic summonses by PDRM, in addition to the KDN Mekar programme, zakat assistance and various government service counters,” she said.
