KUALA LUMPUR – The Education Ministry (MOE) is embarking on major reforms to strengthen student safety and discipline, with a proposed Anti-Bullying Bill to be enforced through a special tribunal system currently under review by the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU).
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the initiative is part of broader efforts to tackle bullying more effectively, following the creation of the Educational Institutions Security Reform Committee (JKRKIP) and the launch of school safety audits in 735 schools nationwide since August.
“Among the key reforms is the introduction of an anonymous complaint feature to protect the identities of complainants and witnesses, along with the revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs) on bullying and sexual misconduct to ensure a more systematic and comprehensive approach,” he said.
He was responding to Dr Halimah Ali (PN–Kapar), who asked about the ministry’s concrete measures to address school bullying cases during the Dewan Rakyat question-and-answer session today.
Wong said the MOE has also rolled out the Madani Generation Character Building Programme, which emphasises intellectual, personality, and spiritual balance. Character-building elements will be integrated into the 2027 curriculum to help students develop empathy and emotional resilience.
According to data from the Student Self-Personality System (SSDM), a total of 7,681 bullying cases were reported in 2024, up from 6,528 cases in 2023. Wong, however, expressed optimism that the numbers could decline through a collaborative approach involving schools, parents, and the community.
“Efforts to combat bullying must be carried out without compromise by all parties. It is not merely a disciplinary matter, but a shared responsibility in shaping a moral and safe generation,” he said.
In response to Dr Halimah’s supplementary question on how schools can help students manage their emotions, Wong said the appointment of character ambassadors and peer mentors (PRS) provides a safe channel for students who may be afraid to report bullying directly to teachers.
He added that Special Circular 12/2023 outlines detailed procedures for handling bullying cases, covering physical, verbal, and non-verbal forms, including disciplinary processes, appeals, and case management.
Responding to Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN–Kuala Pilah) on the need for more wardens in hostels, Wong said the number of wardens has increased by 68.5 per cent in the past three years, from 6,055 in 2022 to 10,204 this year.
“For schools with 50 hostel students, three wardens are now allocated, compared to only one previously. In addition to teachers, appointments have also been extended to members of the implementation group to ensure responsibilities are carried out effectively,” he said.
He noted that the ministry has received positive feedback on appointing part-time wardens from the police and military, a model currently piloted in Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) to enhance supervision and discipline.
Wong added that spot checks will continue to be conducted by MOE’s top management, as well as state and district education offices, to ensure full compliance with school safety SOPs, including during night hours. — October 8, 2025