Education Ministry reports 7,681 bullying incidents in 2024, the highest on record, alongside 3,570 cases of criminal misconduct in schools nationwide.
PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry has reported a rise in bullying and criminal misconduct in schools, with 2024 seeing the highest number of bullying cases recorded to date.
In a written reply to Parliament, its minister Fadhlina Sidek said there were 7,681 bullying incidents nationwide in 2024, comprising 1,992 in primary schools and 5,689 in secondary schools.
She added that the recorded rise was partly due to greater awareness and improved reporting by students, teachers and school administrators following the implementation of Circular Letter (SPI) No. 12 of 2023 on bullying.
“Meanwhile, a total of 2,889 bullying cases were recorded last year, comprising 740 cases in primary schools and 2,149 in secondary schools,” she said, adding that 3,570 cases of criminal misconduct were also reported during the same period, with 457 in primary schools and 3,113 in secondary schools.
She emphasised that all forms of disciplinary misconduct, including bullying and criminal behaviour, will not be tolerated, with punishments ranging from verbal and written warnings to detention, caning, suspension or expulsion depending on the severity of the offence.
She was responding to Klang MP V. Ganabatirau, who asked about the total number of bullying and crime cases recorded in schools nationwide last year and the measures taken by the ministry to address the issue.
She also said the ministry has a clear mechanism for addressing disciplinary issues, guided by its circular letters, including SPI No. 12 of 2023 on the Management of Bullying in Educational Institutions and SPI No. 7 of 2011 on the SOP 1:3:7 for reporting and action on student disciplinary matters.
“Nationwide safety audits are also being conducted to ensure schools adhere strictly to standard operating procedures.
“As of Nov 19 last year, 1,758 schools had undergone audits. We have also strengthened preventive measures through the installation of CCTV cameras and the enhancement of mental health and psychosocial support programmes, including the placement of 523 guidance and counselling teachers in schools nationwide in 2025.”
