Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has announced that the findings of a study into bullying cases will be made public in the near future, as concerns continue to grow over the safety and well-being of children in Malaysia.
The upcoming findings are expected to contribute to ongoing discussions about bullying prevention and the need for effective measures to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly schoolchildren.
Nancy said the research, conducted through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), could be released as early as this week or next week. It forms part of more than 80 studies carried out in collaboration with universities to identify suitable approaches to addressing bullying, particularly among school students.
Speaking after recording Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme at Wisma Bernama on Thursday, 22 October, Nancy stressed that bullying must never become normalised in schools or create an environment where victims are afraid to seek help. She said the ministry is intensifying awareness programmes in cooperation with the police and relevant experts to educate children about personal safety and available support channels.
Nancy also highlighted the importance of parents encouraging children to report bullying incidents and schools ensuring students know whom they can trust. The ministry plans to improve its existing awareness modules by placing greater emphasis on bullying prevention, personal safety, appropriate and inappropriate physical contact, and sexual abuse awareness. Although its earlier target of reaching 300 schools has not yet been achieved, the ministry will continue expanding the initiative.
