THE state government, through the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, is urged to take the rising number of bullying cases in Sarawak seriously.
Lingga Assemblywoman, Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, said this is to ensure that this issue is not taken lightly and does not persist in the future.
“Human capital development should not only focus on the quality of education modules for children in schools and institutions of higher learning.
“Ethics, cultural values, and discipline must also be instilled in children.
“This is because, in 2024, the number of bullying cases reported at the school level in Malaysia has reached 6,000.
“We have even been shocked by bullying cases that led to deaths.
“I appeal to the state to take this matter seriously,” she said during her debate in support of the motion of appreciation for the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s speech in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
While congratulating the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development for successfully establishing the first One Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) in Sarawak to assist children in need, such as those diagnosed with autism, Down Syndrome, or learning disabilities, Dayang Noorazah also urged the ministry to ensure that OSEICs are established in every division of Sarawak, especially in the Sri Aman Division, to meet the growing demand.
She further mentioned that several longhouses, such as Temelan Ulu and Temelan Ili, still lack basic infrastructure like clean or treated water supply, electricity, telecommunications networks, and road access to these areas.
“I sincerely request the cooperation and attention of all relevant departments to assist these settlements,” she added.
She then addressed the construction of a 11.3-kilometre access road from Lingga to Banting, under the allocation of the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA), which costs RM86.5 million.
“The project did not receive approval from the State Planning Authority (SPA) as there is already an existing road connecting to Banting through Empelanjau.
“Representing the voice of the people in Lingga, we request that the proposed road be reconsidered for approval by the SPA.
“This is because the construction of this road would shorten the travel distance for Banting residents to Lingga and also to Sebuyau.
“In turn, it will make it easier for Banting residents to access government services such as the Lingga District Office, Health Clinic, and indirectly help boost the economy in the Lingga town in the future,” she added.
