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Nancy: Zara Qairina case a reminder to strengthen child protection, combat bullying
Nancy symbolically signs a banner at the event in a show of support for the campaign to end violence against children. – Penerangan photo
KUCHING (Aug 16): The case of Zara Qairina should serve as a point of reference for society in strengthening child protection and raising awareness against abuse and bullying, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Officiating the Program Advokasi Perlindungan Kanak-Kanak: Kasih Kanak-Kanak Bersama Kelab Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya (PRS) at the Sarawak branch of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka here today, Nancy noted that the case had received widespread public attention.
'I believe many of you have followed the developments in the case of Adik Zara. Do you know about it? That case serves as a guide for us. However, we cannot make judgements yet as the decision has not been obtained from the relevant authorities. But it remains a point of reference for all of us,' she said.
She also reminded students not to be influenced by unverified information circulating online.
'Do not spread false stories or information. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) can act. Even if someone uses an overseas account, eventually they can still be tracked down,' she said.
Nancy described the advocacy programme as significant because it was held for the first time in collaboration with the PRS in Sarawak.
'This cooperation is one of the collective efforts by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department to ensure that children's voices are heard, their rights respected, and their wellbeing protected,' she said.
She urged students, particularly those in schools and hostels, to always remember that they have the right to live in safety and to be respected.
'We continuously organise programmes like this to remind students that these are your rights, and you must know that others do not have the power to abuse you or do bad things to you, including bullying,' she said.
Nancy stressed that bullying has become an increasingly worrying social issue.
'Recently, we keep hearing about current social issues, especially bullying cases. This issue is becoming more worrying. It is not only happening in schools but also at the university level,' she said.
Recalling her own student days, Nancy said ragging was often normalised but was also a form of bullying.
'I was lucky because I could sing, so they only asked me to sing. At the time, I thought they wanted to hear me sing, but actually that was also bullying. The methods may be different, but it is still bullying,' she said.
'Bullying cases have the potential to threaten lives, and it is no longer an isolated issue that can be taken lightly. The effects can last a lifetime, causing trauma, depression, loss of confidence, and even leading to attempted suicide,' she said.
She called on students to be courageous in reporting bullying incidents.
'Have the courage to speak up. If your seniors order you to do something, report to the warden. If the warden doesn't listen, report to your teacher. If you still don't dare, remember to call our Talian Kasih 15999. Do not remain silent. Your action today can save someone's future,' she said. bullying child protection lead nancy shukri
