POKOK SENA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today called for all stakeholders including parents, teachers and the community to join forces in weeding out bullying culture among school students.

Saifuddin stressed that the Home Ministry condemns such misconduct while calling for all parties to focus on preventing such incidents from occurring.

"We urge all, parents, the community, schools and other relevant stakeholders to join forces to take necessary steps in preventing such culture from becoming a cancer in our society.

"Both the Home Ministry and I believe the Education Ministry as well, firmly reject the practice of bullying and consider it an issue that should not be tolerated," he told reporters after joining Education Minister Fahdlina Sidek to inspect the progress of work of a design and technology laboratory project at SK Jabi here today.

He said the focus should be given on preventing school bullying instead of amending existing laws to punish the offenders.

However, he assured that the Home Ministry and the police would take swift action against all perpetrators involved in such incidents.

"Firstly, we should prioritise preventive measures. I believe our educational institutions should focus on building good character among all students.

"As the largest law enforcement agency, the police is treating this matter with utmost seriousness. Prompt identification and appropriate action will be taken, especially when such incidents are brought to light through social media platforms," he added.

Saifuddin was commenting on the spate of bully incidents involving school students nationwide reported lately.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/918538/work-together-weed-out-school-bullying-saifuddin-urges-all-stakeholders