MOE received 1,005 bullying complaints against teachers since 2023, but cases dropped from 40% to 1.7% as of June.
PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry (MOE) received 1,005 complaints related to bullying against teachers between 2023 and 2026, but said such cases have declined significantly, from 40% in 2023 to just 1.7% as of June this year.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry would not compromise on any form of bullying, intimidation or emotional harassment against teachers, including malicious or baseless complaints lodged by parents.
“Bullying against teachers refers to any repeated or serious behaviour intended to intimidate, humiliate, insult, threaten or disrupt a teacher’s physical, emotional or professional well-being to the extent that it affects their ability to carry out their duties,” she said in a written reply to the Dewan Negara.
Fadhlina was responding to Senator Datuk Nelson W. Angang’s question on the ministry’s position and actions in addressing bullying against teachers, including unfounded complaints made through the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA), and how it balances parents’ right to lodge complaints with the need to protect teachers’ mental health and safety.
She said every complaint received through official channels, including email, SISPAA and anonymous letters, was subjected to a strict screening and investigation process based on standard operating procedures.
“Investigations will be carried out based on merit and credible evidence. If a complaint is found to be baseless, malicious or defamatory, the case will be closed to protect the teacher’s reputation, dignity and emotional well-being from any form of victimisation,” she added.
Meanwhile, to safeguard teachers’ welfare, Fadhlina said MOE had implemented various initiatives, including professional counselling services, crisis intervention and psychosocial support, as well as psychological well-being and stress management programmes tailored to teachers’ needs.
She said the government would continue strengthening the public complaints management system while safeguarding teachers’ rights and welfare, as well as upholding transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
Since 2022, SISPAA has been designated as the central hub for public complaints management under General Circular No. 2/2022, with its functions expanded to include enquiries, suggestions for improvements and expressions of appreciation for civil servants.
