KUCHING: There is no immediate need to draft a new law against bullying but amendments to existing laws can be considered in line with current developments, said Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said while bullying cases have been receiving more attention and sparking concern recently, legal action can be taken against perpetrators under the current provisions.
“So far, there is no need to introduce a new Act because the offence is already stipulated under the Penal Code, which states that bullying is a criminal offence and sets penalties for offenders.
“However, the matters that have been happening recently may give new ideas on how to improve the law,” she said after the ‘Gempak Inspirasi @ Sepagi Bersama Persekutuan Perkumpulan Wanita Sarawak (PPWS) 2025′ programme at Wisma SABATI here today.
She was commenting on calls by the Anti-Bullying Act Advocacy Movement (GAB) for the government to consider drafting a specific law on bullying, which would include clear definitions, awareness elements, prevention measures, and complaint procedures.
This follows concerns that, at present, bullying offences are not clearly defined and lack specific penalties under any law, instead relying on the Penal Code and the Child Act 2001 – which are seen as insufficient to protect victims, whether children or adults.
Nancy however said bullying must be referred to the Penal Code, as provisions already exist, stating that it is a criminal offence and punishable by law.
“If there were no such provisions, we would not be able to impose any penalties. Offenders involved in bullying-related offences can be fined up to RM3,000,” she explained.
She also explained that her ministry is not directly involved in drafting such legislation, as the responsibility lies with the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department and the Attorney General’s Chambers, which handle prosecutions, though the matter could still be raised for discussion at the Cabinet level if necessary.
Meanwhile, on another matter, Nancy said the Reproductive and Social Health Education Module (PEERS) must be immediately strengthened, expanded, and given longer teaching hours in the national school system to curb the rise in teenage pregnancies.
She said the matter has already been brought to the attention of the National Social Council, with proposals for PEERS teaching hours to be extended and delivered with a more comprehensive approach.
“At present, the existing curriculum content is very minimal and insufficient. That is why the ministry urges for it to be expanded and supplemented with reproductive-related programmes.
“It is important so that the subject provides students with clear knowledge about reproductive health,” she said.
She added that this approach could have a positive impact, based on a 2020 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) study which showed that health education could reduce teenage pregnancies by up to 49 per cent, or about 1,800 births, within five years.
