The Anti-Bullying Bill 2025 is designed to be a ‘hero friend’ to children, establishing clear national standards to protect them and ensure schools are safe.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Bullying Bill 2025 is envisioned as a “hero friend” to children, offering protection and reassurance that schools are safe places to learn.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the concept emerged from direct engagement with children who shared their experiences as bullying victims.
She said one child, referred to as Rishvan’s younger brother, used the term “hero friend” to describe a peer who helps and protects others from bullying.
“I hope that this Bill can be a ‘hero friend’ to Rishvan’s younger brother and our children,” Azalina said when tabling the Bill for its second reading.
Her ministry also incorporated feedback from nearly 4,000 participants in townhall sessions held in September and October.
The public feedback called for clear national standards, including a uniform definition of bullying and consistent complaint mechanisms.
Azalina said the bill would clearly define categories of bullying activities for the first time in Malaysian law.
She outlined four key challenges that have prevented bullying from being addressed thoroughly.
The first is that existing laws are too crime-oriented, while many victims need rehabilitation and protection.
Case handling is also inconsistent, with the same complaint treated differently across schools.
Some communities are less sensitive to subtle forms like systematic marginalisation or constant mockery.
Another challenge is the high criminal standard of proof, which is unsuitable for children who often lack physical evidence.
The Legal Affairs Division also launched a public feedback portal, which received 509 responses.
