NGO calls for systemic overhaul to address student bullying, rape and murder
Reform must focus on peer mediation skills to resolve school disputes
SHAH ALAM – The national education system is in urgent need of reform to effectively address the rising number of bullying, rape and murder cases among school students, according to the Federation of Islamic NGOs (Pembela).
Pembela Chairman Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar expressed that he was deeply moved by reports of criminal incidents involving school students, emphasising that the Education Ministry (MoE) should prioritide manners and morals before imparting academic knowledge.
He suggested that at the start of schooling, greater emphasis be placed on manners, in accordance with the principles of the Rukun Negara, particularly Courtesy and Morality.
Zainul recommended that student leaders be equipped with mediation skills and trained to become peer mediators.
He further highlighted that students trained in this role could act as intermediaries in minor disputes, helping to prevent them from escalating into serious conflicts.
He added that this approach was important because students generally found it easier to interact with peers than to report problems to teachers or wardens.
Zainul also proposed that peer clubs in schools should be given a wider role to handle issues related to student misconduct, including bullying.
He added that students were usually more comfortable sharing problems with their friends than with counsellors or school administrators, asserting that the peer support system should be strengthened as an internal mechanism to maintain a safe and healthy school environment.
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