SHAH ALAM, Dec 2025 — The Anti-Bullying Bill 2025, recently passed by the Dewan Negara, must be assessed comprehensively to ensure it does not become merely symbolic in curbing the culture of bullying, particularly in educational institutions.
Pocket Of Pink's education co-director Suyashaa Srii Sukendran said the Bill must ensure adequate protection for victims of bullying and not shield perpetrators solely because of their positions.
“True protection exists when victims are brave enough to speak up and are supported by the law, rather than protecting the reputation of institutions or vested perpetrators,” she told Media Selangor.
Suyashaa added that the passage of the Bill is a clear signal that Malaysia is now serious about addressing the issue of bullying and will no longer tolerate any form of abuse.
Its success should not be measured merely by its passage, but rather by the implementation of clear guidelines and the protection of whistleblowers.
“We need an independent and safe complaints mechanism, free from interference by vested interests, so that victims feel confident to come forward and lodge complaints,” she said.
Suyashaa also expressed concern over the silence of some parents and teachers, which has become an obstacle to comprehensive efforts to eradicate bullying.
“A culture of denial and fear of institutions is evident when many bullying cases in Malaysia go unreported, victims are blamed, and teachers or administrators choose to resolve matters internally,” she said.
Doing so would further worsen the situation, as victims do not receive the justice they deserve, while perpetrators continue without facing any action.
In this regard, victims should be encouraged to bravely share their experiences with trusted individuals like parents, teachers, or friends, so that early action can be taken.
“Public education and community awareness are important so that bullying is no longer regarded as something normal that should be kept silent,” Suyashaa said.
She hopes the Bill's implementation will be carried out transparently and inclusively to create a safe learning environment.
On December 3, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025, a comprehensive legislative initiative to create a safer educational environment free of a culture of bullying.
Among other things, it introduces specific mechanisms for receiving complaints and for preventing and managing bullying incidents in educational institutions and other designated institutions.
Under the Bill, an Anti-Bullying Tribunal will be established to hear and decide complaints about bullying, thereby providing a faster, fairer, and more structured avenue for resolution.
During its debate wind-up, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said noted that as an initial step, the implementation will apply to individuals aged 18 and below.
