PUTRAJAYA — The government is currently coordinating the enforcement of Sections 507B to 507G of the Penal Code to ensure that all parties understand that bullying is a crime.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the matter was among the key issues discussed during Friday’s Cabinet meeting , chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim , in light of recent bullying incidents, including the tragic death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir.
“The prime minister made it clear that the government will not tolerate bullying in any form or allow such cases to continue without accountability,” said Fahmi.
He said that Cabinet ministers have begun aligning actions across ministries, particularly those managing educational institutions and student dormitories, to ensure the proper implementation of the newly amended provisions, which came into force in July.
“We want every ministry to fully understand that under these amendments, bullying is clearly defined and legally recognised as a criminal act. Further enforcement steps will follow,” he told reporters after attending a civil service gathering of more than 30,000 civil servants in person and by virtual attendance.
The amendments to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code make bullying a criminal offence, with penalties of up to 10 years’ jail.
The offences covered include harassment, threats, bullying, insults and misuse of identity information, with heavier penalties if such actions lead to suicide attempts or suicide caused by provocation.
–Bernama
