NIBONG TEBAL — The Ministry of Education (MOE) is open to the proposal for town hall sessions to draft the Anti-Bullying Bill to also involve primary and secondary school pupils, to ensure their voices and views are taken into account.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the move was in line with the principle of comprehensive engagement, as students were the main stakeholders in bullying-related issues.
“We have no problem with the proposal. I think it is a process that we normally carry out at the national level, which is to obtain direct feedback from students.
“As a result, we want this session to truly reflect the voices of children and students as they are the ones most affected by this issue,” she said when met by reporters after attending the Nibong Tebal parliamentary-level Temu Rakyat programme here today.
In another development, Fadhlina said MOE was investigating a complaint involving a 14-year-old girl who was reported to be suffering from trauma, depression and self-harming tendencies after allegedly being bullied.
“The Director-General of Education is investigating the matter and further action will be taken immediately,” she said.
On Sept 23, the media reported a case involving a Form Two student who was allegedly traumatised after being bullied by schoolmates, leading to depression and self-harming tendencies.
Fadhlina, who is also Nibong Tebal MP, said the Temu Rakyat programme in the constituency would be held monthly to strengthen ties between the government and the local community.
She said various government agencies were also integrated into the programme, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), the Social Welfare Department (JKM), and zakat centres, to help the public resolve issues related to documentation, welfare, education, housing and health.
“Among today’s initiatives is a 50 per cent discount on traffic summonses by PDRM, in addition to the KDN Mekar programme, zakat assistance and various government service counters,” she said.
