KENINGAU: June 25, 2026 – The issue of bullying in schools requires special attention from parents and teachers at both primary and secondary levels to curb this increasingly worrying phenomenon.
PGRS Tambunan division chief, Datuk Victor Peter Paut, said bullying is now becoming “trending” everywhere, regardless of location, whether in urban or rural areas.
“I fully support it if the authorities, such as PDRM, with the full backing of the District Education Office and schools, organise ‘road tours’ in the form of talks on the relevant laws and offences related to bullying,” he said in a statement here.
He said various bullying incidents that led to tragedies had occurred in the past, including the case of Zara Qairina, incidents at tahfiz colleges, MRSM, the Military Academy, and most recently at a school in Tenom.
“We also often see posts on social media regarding this issue, as if those involved are proud to record bullying incidents without any sense of shame,” he added.
Datuk Victor said bullying does not only occur in hostels or on school premises, but students are also bold enough to carry it out outside school in the form of gangsterism or in groups.
“We cannot point the finger solely at the schools because some of these cases occur beyond the schools’ monitoring reach.
“Therefore, specific talks on bullying offences, the relevant legislation, and the emotional impact on victims – are highly necessary as an awareness measure,” he said.
He stressed that although anti-bullying campaigns have been implemented in all schools, they need to be stepped up from now on, so that potential bullies may reconsider their intentions when presented with such talks, the applicable laws, and more comprehensive approaches.
As such, he urged parents to monitor their children’s attitudes and behaviour based on their own experience of having “gone through school days”.
“Approach our children, and from there we may be able to assess whether they are victims or otherwise.
“Depression, a lack of interest in going to school, or any stories they tell about themselves while at school can not only give us a picture of the situation but can also strengthen the emotional bond between parents and children,” he added.
