Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek states that all bullying incidents in schools under the jurisdiction of the ministry will be thoroughly investigated through standard operating procedures.
On Tuesday, Nov. 14, she informed the Dewan Rakyat that more than 90% of bullying and sexual harassment cases in all of these institutions had been settled in less than 15 days, and she also mentioned that there had been improvements in the advocacy for access to file these reports.
Minister’s Question Time: “This is the assurance we can give: each complaint must be investigated based on urgency of relaying information, reporting, and taking action based on SOP,” she responded to Mohamed Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani).
Mohamed Taufiq had requested that the ministry detail the steps taken to address the long-term consequences of bullying on students’ mental health.
Regarding mental health interventions, Fadhlina stated that the ministry has always placed a high priority on students’ safety and mental health.
“Guidance and counselling teachers will be contacted in cases involving victims and offenders in schools.
“To deal with such matters, the ministry employs such teachers.
“While the investigation is ongoing, these teachers will offer appropriate intervention (keeping in mind) protection of the welfare and safety of students.”
“All bullying cases need to be reported to the principal for further action,” she stated.
She added that all institutions falling under its jurisdiction are subject to bullying policies set forth by the ministry.
“These guidelines serve as a reference for all stakeholders to enhance their understanding of bullying, its implications, and their respective roles in managing misconduct.”
She also described the SOP that school administrators adhere to in the event that bullying allegations are made.
One of them is getting in touch with the parents or guardians of the offending students (perpetrator and victim); another is taking the students to a local government clinic or one-stop crisis centre so they can get checked out physically or have any emotional trauma assessed.
“The school will handle the case in accordance with the categories of disciplinary offences… at school level… for bullying that is unrelated to any criminal offences under the law.
“The school will help the police by providing pertinent documents to finish the investigation process in cases that are reported to the police.
“The victim’s family or the treating physician typically file police reports. The deputy public prosecutor’s (decision) and the police investigation will also determine the course of action that follows’, she continued.
She brought up the fact that issues of misconduct and bullying in schools were also discussed by a coordination committee made up of representatives from the ministry and the police.
“All secondary and primary schools have a school liaison officer from the police force,” she stated.
Regarding the SOP for schools to handle bullying complaints and whether or not these cases are reported to the police so that legal action can be taken, Kalam Salan (PN-Sabak Bernam) had a question.
