Bullying is not just a school problem. It is a national problem. It affects youths, adults, and public discourse alike. Recent events in Malaysia have exposed how pervasive it is.
The tragic case of a young teenager in Sabah has shocked the nation. Details are under court restrictions. But the message is clear. Bullying among youths can have devastating consequences. It is time to confront the culture of silence that allows it to continue.
Bullying is not limited to schools. Public figures and ordinary citizens alike face threats and intimidation. Controversies often spill over into attacks that go beyond disagreement. Mob behaviour dominates social media. Debate becomes bullying. We need to stop this.
The first step is simple. Call bullies out. Do not stay silent. When someone is humiliated or threatened, they speak up. Bullies depend on silence. Stand with the victims. Show them they are not alone.
Society must understand that bullying has long-term effects. Victims can develop anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces. It can affect school performance, career prospects, and personal relationships.
The cost is not just emotional. It can affect communities when silence and fear become normal.
Culture and mindset shift
Malaysia must undergo a cultural shift. Ragging, hazing, and initiation rituals are often excused as tradition. They leave lasting scars. We cannot normalise cruelty. These practices must end. Solidarity and discipline can be built without harm.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders have responsibility. Children often have model behaviour they see at home and in schools. If bullying is tolerated, children learn that aggression is acceptable. If kindness is modelled, children learn empathy and courage.
The shift must also be mental. Bullying is never okay. It is not a joke. It is not just “kids being kids.” Words and actions have consequences. Downplaying bullying perpetuates abuse. It spreads from classrooms to workplaces and even politics.
Online bullying has added a new danger. Anonymous attacks, manipulated images, and hate campaigns are relentless. Victims are driven to despair. Malaysia has a solution.
The Malaysian Commission and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) provides a platform for reporting cyberbullying. It works with social media platforms to remove harmful content. Thousands of reports are handled each year. In 2024 alone, MCMC acted on over 8,700 cyberbullying cases.
But the system must improve. Reporting must be easy and accessible. Platforms must respond quickly. Awareness campaigns should teach the public how to use these channels effectively. Lawmakers should explore ways to strengthen policies to protect victims online.
Education is key. Schools and universities must teach digital literacy and responsible online behaviour. Students need to understand that the anonymity of the internet does not remove accountability. Every click, post, or comment can have real consequences.
Laws, responsibility, and action
Existing laws cover criminal intimidation, harassment, and defamation. Yet gaps remain, especially for school bullying and cyberbullying.
Policymakers must ask tough questions. Are penalties sufficient? Are schools accountable for preventing abuse? Are victims getting the protection they need?
Strengthening laws is not about punishment alone. It is about prevention. Clear rules, strict enforcement, and consistent consequences send a message: bullying is unacceptable. Combined with education and support, laws can shape a culture of respect.
Laws matter, but personal responsibility matters more. There is a saying: to see the worst in people, give them a mask. Today, that mask is an online profile. Many attack behind anonymity.
Our values are tested at those moments. Will we use freedom of expression to debate ideas or destroy others?
Being a decent citizen is the first line of defence. Treat others with dignity. Teach courage. Show that strength comes from standing up for what is right, not tearing others down. Hold ourselves and our leaders accountable.
Policymakers must act. The Ministry of Education should strengthen anti-bullying frameworks in schools. Universities and workplaces must enforce zero tolerance. Counselling and support should be standard. MCMC should continue leading in cyberbullying enforcement.
Awareness campaigns must reach students, parents, and educators. Platforms must be compelled to respond swiftly to complaints. These are practical steps that can form a national shield against bullying.
Community groups, NGOs, and media must also play a role. Awareness, advocacy, and education can change attitudes. Every institution, every leader, every citizen has a role.
Bullying is a mirror. It shows what kind of society we are. Allow it to persist, and we cultivate fear and cruelty. Reject it, and we nurture resilience and empathy.
We can wait for someone else to act. Or we can start today. Speak up. Stand together. Protect the vulnerable. Teach respect. Build a society that refuses cruelty. The choice is ours.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at nazmixsuhaimi@gmail.com.
