Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye calls for strict action against bullying in schools, homes, workplaces and online to ensure safe environments for all.
KUALA LUMPUR: Bullying must be addressed firmly and comprehensively to ensure safe environments in schools, homes, workplaces and on digital platforms for all levels of society.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Chairman of the Safe Community Organisation, said recent incidents of violence, bullying, sexual abuse, online exploitation and emotional abuse involving children and adults have triggered serious public concern.
This demands stricter protective measures and immediate collective action.
“Safety is not merely the absence of crime, but encompasses the assurance of dignity, respect and protection,” he said in a statement.
“Every child has the right to grow up without fear, and every adult has the right to live and work free from harassment, abuse and exploitation.”
Lee stressed that schools must remain the safest places and not become sources of trauma.
He called for a zero-tolerance approach towards bullying, violence, sexual misconduct and abuse of power in educational institutions.
Schools should be equipped with qualified counsellors, mandatory reporting systems and child protection officers who act swiftly when students are at risk.
Teachers and school administrators also need training to identify signs of stress, grooming and abuse.
“Do not ever remain silent or cover up cases merely to protect reputation, at the expense of children’s safety,” he said.
Regarding households, Lee said domestic violence, neglect and emotional abuse often go unnoticed as they happen behind closed doors.
“Parents need to be equipped with more effective parenting education, mental health support and stress management skills,” he added.
Neighbours, teachers and health workers should be empowered and given legal protection to report any suspected abuse without fear of repercussions.
Lee emphasised that workplace bullying, including sexual harassment, intimidation and exploitation, is not “office culture” but a violation of human rights.
Every organisation must have a clear code of ethics, confidential complaint channels and independent investigation procedures to ensure employees can speak up without fear.
On digital platforms, Lee noted that children and adults are now more vulnerable to cyberbullying, scams, sexual predators, grooming, extremist content and other forms of psychological manipulation.
He said stronger platform responsibility, content monitoring, digital literacy education and parental guidance are urgently needed.
Laws alone are insufficient without the support of enforcement, technology and public awareness, he stressed.
Lee called on the government, schools, employers, parents, technology companies and non-governmental organisations to collaborate in strengthening laws, improving mental health services and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
“Most importantly, we must stop the culture of normalising cruelty, staying silent and living in fear,” he said.
“A safe society is not built by turning a blind eye, but through the courage to speak up, act early and stand with victims. Only then do we deserve to be called a humane and just society.”
