A new anti-bullying bill proposes a dedicated tribunal to handle complaints, with powers to order apologies, content removal and compensation up to RM250,000.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Bully Bill 2025 was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the second reading is scheduled for this Wednesday.
The 54-clause bill aims to prevent and manage bullying cases in educational and other institutions.
It provides for the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Bully Tribunal to handle complaints.
Clause 29 states the tribunal’s jurisdiction is to hear any bullying complaint made by a parent or guardian of a victim.
Clause 30 provides for the exclusion of court jurisdiction once a complaint is lodged with the tribunal.
For proceedings involving a child, the tribunal must conduct them in an informal and child-friendly manner.
It must prioritise resolving complaints through mediation if both parties give informed consent.
Where parties reach an agreed resolution in mediation, the tribunal will approve and record it.
This resolution then takes effect as if it were a formal award of the tribunal.
In making an award, the tribunal may issue several orders.
These can include directing an adult respondent to publish a statement of apology to the victim.
It can also order the respondent to remove any bullying-related content from social media or digital devices.
Furthermore, it can order the respondent, or a child’s parent or guardian, to pay compensation not exceeding RM250,000 for any loss or damage suffered by the victim.
