Bullying must be treated as a crime, enforce zero tolerance in schools - Asyraf Wajdi
Despite repeated awareness campaigns, a culture of normalising such behaviour as harmless pranks continues to persist in certain educational settings.
BULLYING remains a persistent issue in Malaysia, with cases frequently emerging from schools, hostels and boarding institutions. Incidents range from verbal taunts to severe physical assaults, with some leading to lifelong trauma or, in tragic cases, death.
Despite repeated awareness campaigns, a culture of normalising such behaviour as harmless pranks continues to persist in certain educational settings.
Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has now renewed calls for a coordinated and uncompromising stance against bullying, stressing that it must be treated as a crime.
His remarks come in the wake of the death of form one student Zara Qairina Mahathir, who reportedly fell from the third floor of a school hostel in Sabah.
The incident, which is currently under police investigation, has been linked to allegations of bullying.
“Firm and uncompromising punishment must be enforced regardless of who is involved, to send a clear message that there will be no more tolerance, compromise or downplaying of any form of bullying, whether physical, mental, verbal or cyber,” Asyraf said in a Facebook post.
Asyraf emphasised that the normalisation of bullying must end, particularly in boarding schools, where hazing and “initiation” practices are sometimes dismissed as tradition. He urged that a ‘Bullying is a Crime’ campaign be rolled out across all schools and institutions.
“This vicious cycle must be broken. You touch, you go,” he said in a video statFement.
The Mara chairman called for a holistic anti-bullying initiative that brings together teachers, wardens, administrators, parents and students. He also highlighted the role of media influences in shaping young people’s behaviour.
“If values of love and compassion are not instilled in students, how can we expect to nurture a caring generation? Even worse, we may end up producing future leaders who lack moral values, people willing to exploit and oppress others simply because they have grown accustomed to a culture of bullying,” he added.
In addition to institutional measures, Asyraf urged parents to be more proactive in monitoring their children’s well-being.
“Don’t just blame the students or teachers. Parents and problems at home are among the key factors leading to bullying behaviours that extend to dormitories and schools,” he said.
Asyraf revealed that Mara has taken firm disciplinary action in recent bullying cases. In one incident at a Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in the northern region, a video showing a student being stepped on, tied up with a belt and humiliated went viral. Following investigations, seven students involved were recommended for expulsion.
“Investigations revealed that two students were directly involved in the bullying, while five others were complicit. All were recommended for expulsion from MRSM,” he confirmed.
As part of his prevention efforts, Asyraf said he often makes surprise visits to MRSM campuses to remind students to support one another and report bullying without fear of retaliation.
“No one should be afraid to report acts of bullying, regardless of who is involved or fear being labelled with derogatory nicknames like ‘Mat Pot’, ‘Jibam’ or ‘Poyo’. Every student has a duty to break the cycle of bullying,” he said.
He also warned MRSM principals against concealing bullying cases, stating that firm disciplinary action would be taken against any college administration attempting to downplay such incidents.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has confirmed that the Education Ministry is working closely with the police in investigating Zara Qairina’s case.
“The incident is currently being investigated by the police. The ministry will extend its full cooperation to the authorities,” she said.
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