Suhakam expresses deep concern over the recent spate of bullying cases reported in schools across the country, calling it a “systemic crisis of child safety” that requires immediate intervention nationwide.
Suhakam’s children’s commissioner, Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, emphasises that school must be the safest place for every child.
But recent cases paint a worrying picture of fear, isolation and violence. These disturbing incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained action to ensure that schools remain safe and nurturing environments for all children.
In just one week, three serious bullying cases were reported:
- On 18 July 2025, a Form 1 female student in Sabah was reported to have jumped from the third floor of her school building, allegedly due to bullying by her peers.
- On 20 July, in Sungai Petani, Kedah, another Form 1 female student was found tied up in a school toilet. Two 13-year-old students were detained to assist in the investigation.
- Most recently, on 22 July, a Form 3 male student sustained serious eye injuries after being punched by fellow students.
The office of the children’s commissioner (OCC) has contacted the Ministry of Education (MoE) to verify whether these cases were being monitored by the relevant authorities.
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The office was informed that the MoE is aware of the incidents and is taking steps to enhance intervention programmes to address bullying at a nationwide level.
While the children’s commissioner welcomes these efforts, the commissioner urges the MoE to take more concrete and immediate action. In reviewing the MoE’s ‘Guidelines for Handling Bullying in Schools’ (launched in 2023), the children’s commissioner notes provisions requiring engagement between the parents of the bully and the victim.
However, the children’s commissioner questions whether such engagements are being carried out effectively and consistently, and whether proper follow-up is being conducted to ensure accountability and behavioural change.
Furthermore, the guidelines stipulate the appointment of an investigative teacher for reported cases.
The children’s commissioner raises concerns about whether these teachers are adequately trained to carry out such responsibilities, and whether the current system includes any mechanism for monitoring or oversight.
Where bullying has been reported, schools must proactively conduct regular monitoring, especially in high-risk areas such as dormitories, assembly halls and prefect rooms.
The children’s commissioner believes that the current mechanisms in place are insufficient. The growing number of cases reflects systemic gaps.
According to the MoE’s Sistem Sahsiah Diri Murid, reported school bullying incidents increased from 3,887 cases in 2022 to 5,891 cases in 2023. By October 2024, the figure had already reached 5,703 cases, involving 11,594 students.
The children’s commissioner calls for urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders, particularly the MoE.
Schools must prioritise student safety and ensure all complaints of bullying are addressed promptly and effectively.
At the same time, parents have a critical role in identifying signs of bullying and reporting such incidents to both the school and the authorities. Parents must reject the outdated notion that bullying is a ‘rite of passage’ to build resilience and instead cultivate open and supportive communication with their children.
The children’s commissioner reiterates that every child has the right to feel safe at school. It is the collective duty of educators, parents, authorities and the wider community to ensure that this right is fully upheld. – Suhakam
Dr Farah Nini Dusuki is the children’s commissioner of Suhakam.
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