21-07-2025
Act and don't cover up bullying cases: Union
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025
Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: Murkam and Steve. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government Teachers' Union (KGKS) is demanding stricter action on school bullies amid escalating incidents statewide. KGKS President Murkam Hussien this is urgent as bullying cases both physical and online continue without resolution. His call is in the wake of a Form One student at a Papar Islamic religious school who died after falling from the third floor of the school building. Her body was found in the drain.
Advertisement 'Physical bullying cases involving students persist without definitive solution. A life cannot be replaced,' Murkam said, adding that perpetrators must face appropriate consequences. He expressed KGKS' commitment to addressing the bullying crisis and pledged support for the ongoing investigation. The organisation is working closely with the State Education Department and police to monitor case while providing counselling services to the family. The union is offering additional support as the deceased student's mother is a KGKS member, highlighting the personal impact of bullying on the education community. Meanwhile, the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Youth Council wants stronger safeguards to protect student wellbeing in school following Wednesday's incident. 'Our thoughts are with the student, their family, and all those affected, as we hope for healing and support in this difficult time,' said KDCA Youth Council Chairman, Steve Johnny Mositun. Her remains was laid to rest at the Kg Tanjung Ubi Muslim cemetery. Steve said bullying must not be taken lightly and called for collective responsibility in creating a safer environment for young people. 'We take all reports related to bullying seriously and are committed to supporting efforts that ensure schools remain safe and nurturing spaces for all students,' he said. Steve urged school authorities and communities to encourage open and honest dialogue between students and adults. 'It is vital that peer support systems, trained counsellors, and proactive intervention mechanisms are strengthened within every school across Sabah. 'We urge schools and communities to foster open dialogue where students feel safe to speak up and be heard without fear or judgment,' he said. He also called on all stakeholders, parents, teachers, and youth to work hand in hand in promoting empathy and respect. 'The KDCA Youth Council remains ready to support awareness campaigns, youth-led initiatives, and constructive engagements aimed at ending bullying in all forms.' In Sungai petani, a Form One female student was allegedly tied up and gagged by two schoolmates in a secondary school toilet here, in what police suspect was an act of bullying driven by jealousy. The 13-year-old was found with her hands and feet bound using a necktie and her mouth gagged with a handkerchief last Monday. 'Both suspects, who are also 13, admitted to committing the act out of jealousy,' BuletinTV3 wrote quoting Kuala Muda police chief Asst Comm Hanyan Ramlan. 'Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are currently being remanded under Sections 323 and 324 of the Penal Code.' Both Sections cover 'voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means' and its punishment. The incident reportedly came to light when the victim's mother, waiting outside the school at 6.30pm, became worried when her daughter failed to appear. She and a school security guard began searching the premises and found the girl in the toilet. The victim was taken to hospital for minor injuries to her legs and hands, and for trauma treatment. Her mother lodged a police report over the incident. This comes as Mara chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki urged for a united push to recognise bullying as a crime and end its normalisation as harmless pranks. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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