No tolerance for bullying under amended Penal Code, says Fahmi

Borneo Post

3 days ago

Fahmi says that Cabinet ministers have begun aligning actions across ministries, particularly those managing educational institutions and student dormitories, to ensure the proper implementation of the newly amended provisions, which came into force in July. – Bernama photo
PUTRAJAYA (Aug 15): The government is currently coordinating the enforcement of Sections 507B to 507G of the Penal Code to ensure that all parties understand that bullying is a crime.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the matter was among the key issues discussed during today's Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in light of recent bullying incidents, including the tragic death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir.
'The Prime Minister made it clear that the government will not tolerate bullying in any form or allow such cases to continue without accountability,' said Fahmi.
He said that Cabinet ministers have begun aligning actions across ministries, particularly those managing educational institutions and student dormitories, to ensure the proper implementation of the newly amended provisions, which came into force in July.
'We want every ministry to fully understand that under these amendments, bullying is clearly defined and legally recognised as a criminal act. Further enforcement steps will follow,' he told reporters after attending the 20th edition of the Majlis Amanat Perdana Perkhidmatan Awam (MAPPA XX) gathering here today, which brought together over 30,000 civil servants both in person and virtually.
The Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025, which aimed at more comprehensively addressing all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying, were passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 10 and in Dewan Negara on Dec 16, last year.
Fahmi also revealed that the Prime Minister had raised concerns over the conduct of certain individuals and public figures, describing their behaviour as 'disrespectful' and confirming that authorities would take appropriate action.
Meanwhile, he said that, during MAPPA XX, Anwar also reiterated the important role of civil servants in safeguarding peace, public order, and national progress.
'The Prime Minister delivered several important messages, including how much of the progress we're enjoying today is the result of bold changes and reforms, including the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System,' said Fahmi.
He also welcomed Anwar's announcements related to the public service, calling them a relief to many, and hinted at more to come.
'As the Prime Minister mentioned, more major announcements for civil servants are expected, Insya-Allah, during the tabling of Budget 2026 on Oct 10,' he added. – Bernama bullying cabinet meeting Fahmi Fadzil Zara Qairina