Malaysia’s new Anti-Bullying Bill risks excluding university students and working adults from legal protection, warns a child clinical psychologist
PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia moves to enact its first anti-bullying Act amid growing alarm over violence in schools, a child clinical psychologist has urged lawmakers not to overlook the fact that bullying stretches beyond the classroom.
Psychology centre CPC International managing director and child clinical psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli said the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025, tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 1, marks a historic step towards safeguarding young Malaysians.
However, she said its narrow scope risks leaving university students and working adults without legal protection.
“Bullying (does not only apply to) those under 18. Anyone could (engage in) bullying and anyone could be bullied,” she said, adding that leaving out older students and employees would blunt the purpose of the Bill.
She praised its psychological framing, adding that its definition of bullying recognises cognitive, emotional, physical and social harm, as well as cyberbullying.
She also said the Bill’s recognition of how bullying affects thoughts, emotions and behaviour is crucial for understanding psychological harm.
She also expressed belief that a stronger emphasis on early detection and preventive action is needed in schools.
“Institutions must be guided to identify signs that a student is being bullied.”
Noor Aishah also said teachers and school communities must be trained to spot students who may be at risk of becoming bullies, as these individuals need early behavioural support from counsellors and psychologists.
One of her biggest concerns is the narrow range of institutions covered under the draft law.
“Currently, the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025 only applies to institutions under the Education Act 1976, Mara institutions, Defence Ministry educational bodies and institutions covered by the Child Act 2001.
“Missing from the list are universities, private colleges and workplaces – environments in which bullying is known to persist, often unreported and unchecked.”
She said restricting protections to certain age groups or sectors would be a missed opportunity.
“This is our first Anti-Bullying Act. Why not get everything right in one discussion? Surely, we don’t want to create two separate Acts.”
She added that the Bill’s definition of bullying does not specify any age limit, which strengthens the case for wider coverage.
Noor Aishah said if the intention is to protect only minors, the government must say so clearly, adding that otherwise, the law should reflect the reality that bullying cuts across all ages and institutions.
