Ministry launches committee as 49 student violence-bullying cases confirmed, with 25 prosecuted under Penal Code
KUCHING: The Sarawak Ministry of Women, Family Development and Community Wellbeing has launched its anti-bullying committee in response to increasing incidents of student violence and bullying across educational institutions in the state.
Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah announced the committee’s activation during a meeting at her office in Kuching, revealing concerning data about violence-related bullying cases involving students throughout 2024.
According to Fatimah, 49 confirmed cases of violence and bullying among school students in Sarawak were documented last year. Of these incidents, 25 have advanced to prosecution under the Penal Code.
“Last year, there were 49 confirmed cases of violence cum bullying involving school students in Sarawak. So far, 25 of these cases have been taken to the court level for prosecution under the Penal Code,” the minister stated while chairing the committee session.
She explained that the ministry recognized the necessity of establishing a dedicated committee to confront this escalating problem affecting students and youth across various educational and training environments.
The committee’s mandate extends beyond school-based incidents to encompass bullying cases involving young people outside educational settings, including working youth. However, Fatimah emphasised that student-focused interventions remain particularly critical.
“The committee will also handle bullying cases involving the youths outside of schools and youths who are already working. Specific focus on the students are especially crucial,” she said.
The newly activated committee will coordinate efforts with multiple agencies, including the federal Education Ministry, Sarawak State Education Department, Sarawak police, Social Welfare Department, Youth Ministry, and other relevant authorities to combat violence and bullying among students and young people.
Fatimah stressed the importance of addressing root causes rather than merely responding to incidents after they occur. She called for comprehensive strategies to identify and eliminate bullying and hazing behaviors before they escalate into violent confrontations that harm innocent victims.
The minister emphasized that educational institutions at all levels—schools, colleges, universities, and training centers—must function as safe environments for students rather than spaces where bullies can act with impunity.
“The schools, colleges and universities and other education cum training institutions must be safe places for students and not places where bullies can behave lawlessly,” Fatimah stated.
As part of its proactive approach, the anti-bullying committee plans to visit schools, colleges, universities, vocational institutes, youth training centers, and similar establishments to build partnerships and gather support for eradicating violence-related bullying.
