Bullying complaints mechanism must align with Anti-Bullying Act, MOE told

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita PKR Central Leadership Council member Karen Kasturi has called for the Education Ministry (MOE) to align its bullying complaint mechanism at school, District Education Office and State Education Department levels with the provisions of the Anti-Bullying Act 2026 to ensure immediate protection for students.

She said the alignment should include a pathway to the Tribunal for Anti-Bullying for cases that met the requirements and fell within its jurisdiction.

She said the complaint system should not be complicated, forcing students, parents or guardians to navigate multiple channels without knowing what follow-up action would be taken.

"Every serious complaint must be followed by a risk assessment regarding the student's safety and well-being, clear identification of the party responsible for taking action, a defined timeframe, continuous monitoring, and notification to parents or guardians.

"More importantly, protection for students must begin as soon as a complaint is received. Students who lodge complaints must also be protected from any retaliation, threats, pressure, stigma or discrimination for speaking out," she said in a statement today.

The statement was issued following the death of a 14-year-old female student, linked to alleged bullying and racist remarks at a school in the capital.

Yesterday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek directed the Inspectorate of Schools, the PPD and the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Education Department to expedite the internal investigation into the student's death.

She said that all matters of public concern, including issues related to bullying and racism, must be taken seriously and dealt with promptly based on facts and due process. - NST