KUALA LUMPUR – Efforts to curb bullying in schools must involve teachers and parents more actively, with existing approaches requiring a broader review, said the National Parent-Teacher Association Council (PIBGN).
Speaking to Scoop, its president, Datuk Dr Mohamad Ali Hasan, said schools should strengthen their systems, including equipping teachers to identify early warning signs of bullying and ensuring appropriate action is taken.
He said responsibility for discipline should not rest solely with appointed discipline teachers, headmasters or principals.
Mohamad Ali also called for continuous on-the-job training for teachers on preventing and responding to bullying.
He said schools should review class sizes, the emphasis placed on academic achievement, as well as the role of co-curricular activities, sports and other programmes in students’ overall development.
“The school environment and system must also be looked at, including the number of students per class, which is around 35, and the continued emphasis on academic excellence.
“There is also not enough weightage given to co-curricular activities, sports and extra-curricular activities,” he said.
On residential schools, Mohamad Ali said wardens should receive professional training and be appointed on a full-time basis.
He also said parents must take greater responsibility, noting that some appeared more concerned about their children’s academic performance than discipline and behaviour.
“PTA annual reports barely touch on discipline, while talks on safety and discipline in schools are rarely organised,” he said.
He suggested that PTAs invite police officers, prison officers and wardens to share their experiences, while organising district-, state- and national-level gatherings to exchange ideas on school safety and discipline.
Mohamad Ali also proposed clearer channels for reporting bullying, including dedicated hotlines, as well as the public reporting of cases, covering lessons learnt, weaknesses identified and measures taken to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
He further suggested recognising parents and guardians who help prevent or stop bullying, alongside effective penalties for those involved.
“Parents and guardians must also be continuously reminded that they have a role to play in preventing bullying,” he said.
His comments came after a 14-year-old Form Two student, Muhammad Idlan Fareeq Shahril, was found unconscious at a school hostel in Kuala Pilah on Friday before being pronounced dead at Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Najihah.
Police have opened an investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code and detained a 16-year-old student to assist with investigations.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the incident may have stemmed from an alleged breach of school rules, after which the Form Four student was believed to have reprimanded and “punished” the younger student.
The investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Education Ministry has also ordered an immediate audit of the school, including its safety measures and compliance with existing procedures, following the student’s death. — September 27, 2026