Education Ministry admits teachers too victims of bully, urges them to lodge report (Updated)

ALOR STAR: Teachers who become victims of student bullies must not be afraid to come forward and lodge a report.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, in acknowledging that have been cases of teachers being bullied, stressed the need to report the matter to the school and the police, especially when it involves students who participate in gangsterism.
"Teachers who become victims of bullying must come forward to lodge a report so that action can be taken against these student bullies according to existing laws.
"The problem is, many of them do not want to drag the matter any further, fearing for their own safety especially outside of school," he told reporters after a visit to Alor Star Vocational College, here, today.
Mahdzir said some teachers also feared that lodging a police report could compromise the school's reputation, while some have already had their cars vandalised by their students.
He said while he understood their concerns, it was only for the better of all that a report be lodged, as ignoring these bully cases could lead to further damages.
"I hope the affected teachers will think of their safety and lodge a police report. Don't only think of protecting the school or students' image, as this is a serious matter that requires the police attention," he said.
Mahdzir was asked to comment on the Consumer Association of Penang's (CAP) claim that there were teachers who fall victim to bullying, including being blackmailed and having their cars vandalised, for reprimanding students involved in disciplinary issues.
He said school administration plays a pivotal role in protecting the teachers, reminding that schools also have the power to expel students who are involved in outrageous bullying cases.
Mahdzir added that any reported bullying cases should be investigated by the police and that action can taken should be an element of crime in the act.