Police implore schools to act early on bullying

 

Police have urged schools to lodge reports on bullying incidents to enable early intervention before the issue becomes more widespread.

Kuantan police chief Ashari Abu Samah said schools should actively cooperate with the police in addressing such cases, including maintaining regular communication with their assigned school liaison officer to facilitate information sharing.

“I want schools to cooperate fully. If there are bullying cases, do not hesitate to come forward and lodge a report with the police so we can intervene early and prevent the issue from escalating,” he said.

“I do not deny that in the past, some schools have tried to keep such matters under wraps to protect their reputation. But in my view, that is not a healthy approach - it risks becoming a cancer within the education system.”

He was speaking to reporters after officiating the anti-bullying town hall session, organised by the Kuantan district police headquarters (IPD) today.

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School principals and teachers from across the district attended the event.

Ashari said no bullying cases were reported to the district police headquarters between January and July this year, but urged parents to remain vigilant and not rely solely on teachers to educate their children.

He noted that most bullying incidents tend to occur in boarding schools and reminded that such acts are criminal offences under Section 507 of the Penal Code.

As for contributing factors, he cited dominance-seeking behaviour, media influence, and family economic background as possible triggers.

- Bernama