New guidelines to address bullying, sexual harassment in schools

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry is finalising guidelines to deal with sexual harassment and bullying in schools.

The new Student Discipline Regulations are being introduced to replace the Education Ordinance 1957 and the Education (School Discipline) Regulations 1959.

“The ministry views bullying and sexual harassment issues involving students in educational institutions seriously,” it said in a statement on Friday (Aug 18).

“Various initiatives have been implemented to ensure enforcement of existing regulations as outlined in ministry circulars, special circulars and related guidelines,” it added.

Among the mechanisms in place to deal with the issue of bullying and sexual harassment are awareness campaigns through conventional and social media, integrated educational programmes, and intervention for victims.

The ministry also said that schools, parents, and the public can file their complaints of cases involving bullying and sexual harassment through three channels – a dedicated bullying hotline, through email [email protected], and the Public Complaints Management System (SisPAA).

“All state Education Departments, district education offices, and educational institutions have been instructed to comply with the set timeline for the prompt submission of information, reports, and action related to bullying and sexual harassment to the ministry,” it said.

The ministry also said it is committed to maintaining the safety and welfare of all individuals in the education community.

“There will be no compromise when it comes to addressing bullying and sexual harassment in all educational institutions under the jurisdiction of the ministry,” it said.

More information on bullying and sexual harassment complaints can be accessed through the ministry’s bullying complaint portal at https://www.moe.gov.my/aduanbuli.