KUALA LUMPUR — Suhakam has criticised the Ministry of Education (MoE) for its lack of firm action on school bullying, warning that current measures are insufficient to protect students.

Children’s Commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki highlighted recent alarming incidents involving teens aged 13 to 15 — including a suicide attempt and violent assaults — and stressed that fear and violence are becoming the norm in schools.

She noted that although the MoE is aware of these cases, it has yet to respond decisively. While the 2023 bullying guidelines promote parental involvement, Dr Farah questioned whether teachers handling such cases are adequately trained or supervised.

She also called for stricter monitoring in vulnerable areas like dorms and prefect rooms.

With over 11,000 students involved in nearly 6,000 bullying cases in 2023, Suhakam urged the MoE to take immediate, concrete steps to ensure schools become safe spaces once more.