Strengthen existing laws to address bullying, says Nancy
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said that although the task of amending laws does not come under her purview, she is prepared to discuss the matter with the relevant agencies.
'There may not be a need to enact a new law.
'However, in light of recent bullying cases, it may give us new ideas to explore possible improvements to existing laws,' she told reporters after attending the Gempak Inspirasi @ Sepagi Bersama PPWS 2025 Programme yesterday.
Nancy said the matter would be raised during the Cabinet meeting, Bernama reported.
The minister was responding to calls from Gerakan Gubal Akta Anti Buli (GAB) for the government to introduce a specific law to comprehensively address bullying.
On the need for a specific law, Nancy said that there is no need for a new law as bullying is already covered under the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry announced the setting up of a committee to improve safety in all educational institutions.
Dubbed the Safety and Education Institutional Reforms Committee, it held its first meeting on Friday and immediately outlined a clear direction and a comprehensive action plan to be implemented in stages with regard to the reforms.
'The committee was set up specifically to deal with issues that may arise while coming up with the appropriate resolution framework to ensure the safety and the well-being of students, teachers and those in the education community,' the ministry said in a statement on its Facebook account yesterday.
The setting up of the committee follows the widely reported death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Zara Qairina's body was exhumed 23 days after burial to facilitate a renewed investigation.
The committee comprises academicians, representatives from non-governmental organisations, experts, relevant agencies and the private sector.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said that a whole of nation approach must be taken to put a stop to bullying.
'All Malaysians must unite and work together to address the issue.'
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