SHAH ALAM, Aug 14 — Selangor has implemented various initiatives, including awareness and advocacy programmes, to protect the community from bullying, especially on social media.
State executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said explanations on laws have been given to communities, especially youth, so they understand the effects of bullying, how offenders are penalised, and the implications on victims.
He said the state government, through relevant agencies, are studying and formulating specific action plans to comprehensively eradicate bullying in Selangor.
“It is widely known that bullying culture is a cancer of society that doesn’t discriminate by age, race or background.
“(Bullying) hasn’t just robbed lives, but left deep and lasting mental and physical scars,” he told Media Selangor.
Najwan added that youth organisations especially play an important role as the “eyes and ears” of the community in monitoring and preventing bullying as they are closer to higher learning students and schools.
“The state government will continue to deploy its existing machinery such as Penggerak Belia Selangor, Majlis Belia Selangor, the Selangor State Education Department (JPNS) and other agencies to become preventive agents and report (bullying) cases.
“Bullying awareness and prevention modules will be included in existing programmes at schools by Persatuan Mencegah Dadah Malaysia (Pemadam), National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and JPNS, as bullying, same as drugs, can lead to death,” he said.
The recent tragic death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13, at a residential school at Sabah has put a spotlight on bullying cases that plague the community.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said Selangor will strictly monitor bullying in schools, especially at residential schools managed by the state government.
He said there will be no compromise for bullies as they could seriously affect victims psychologically and physically, and even cause death.
