eSafety Commissioner proposed to tackle child bullying
The initiative is aimed at providing swift remedies for victims, rehabilitation for offenders, and stronger digital safety education.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said this formed part of the government's commitment to curb bullying through existing laws such as the Online Safety Act 2025 and recent amendments to the Penal Code, which introduced more comprehensive provisions.
"Bullying, whether in schools or online, is never acceptable.
"While five teenagers now face charges, they remain children under the law and must be protected under the Child Act 2001, including confidentiality, legal representation, and fair treatment," Azalina said in a statement today.
She said the Madani government was committed to addressing bullying through the Online Safety Act 2025, amendments to the Penal Code, strengthened child protection laws such as Sexual Offences Against Children (2017–2023), the Child Witness (Amendment) Bill 2023, and the appointment of Suhakam Children's Commissioners.
At the Asean Law Forum 2025 earlier, Azalina said the government may consider introducing a tribunal system to handle bullying cases, making punishments more rehabilitative and less punitive for minors.
She referred to the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025, which introduced new Sections 507B to 507G specifically targeting bullying in any form, including online acts.
"This is a concern especially when the perpetrators and victims of bullying are children.
"The Child Act still applies," she said, adding that the cabinet would discuss whether a tribunal system is needed and whether a separate set of laws focusing more on rehabilitation than punishment should be introduced.
It was reported that five teenagers are expected to be charged at the Kota Kinabalu Juvenile Court on Wednesday in connection with the bullying case involving the late Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13.
Zara Qairina's case has attracted widespread public attention, with questions raised over the cause of her death and calls from various quarters for a thorough investigation.
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