KPWKM Ready To Provide Input On Proposed Anti-Bullying Tribunal

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has expressed its readiness to provide input on the proposal to establish a tribunal to address bullying cases involving students and children.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that this was because KPWKM was responsible for the Child Act 2001 and other related legislation.

“The ministry that plays a fairly important role is our ministry (KPWKM). We are just waiting for it to be brought to the Cabinet and will provide input based on what is presented, as we are responsible for the Child Act 2001 and other acts concerning children.

“However, we may have to look at what is relevant to the tribunal...if it falls within the jurisdiction of our ministry (KPWKM), we will work hard on it; (otherwise), it may be under the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU),” she told reporters after the launch of the Wall of Iron Strong programme by Danone Malaysia here today.

Nancy said that the proposal to establish the tribunal should be welcomed, adding that KPWKM had always been committed to collaborating with all parties for the welfare and well-being of children.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported to have said today that the proposal to establish a tribunal for bullying cases involving students and children would be brought before a Cabinet meeting.

He said that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said would present the proposal to the Cabinet.

Azalina was previously reported as saying that the government was studying the need to enact an Anti-Bullying Act, with emphasis on setting up a tribunal to hear cases involving students and children.

She said that discussions at the policy level were crucial, as each relevant ministry, including KPWKM, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, and the Ministry of National Unity, had its own views on the enforcement aspects of the act.

Azalina also said that currently, there was no specific definition or clear penalty for bullying offences under existing laws.

In another development, Nancy said that KPWKM continued its strategic collaboration with Danone to enhance the welfare and well-being of children, particularly those in institutions under the ministry’s supervision.

She said the Wall of Iron Strong programme was a joint effort by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and strategic partner Danone to tackle anaemia, or iron deficiency, among children in Malaysia.

Nancy said that Danone’s Iron Strong Study found one in three children aged six to 36 months was at risk of anaemia.

“The findings revealed that children aged six to 12 months face the highest risk at 34.5 per cent, with the risk remaining high at 27.7 per cent for those between 12 and 36 months.

“These figures are not just statistics; they reflect the real challenges faced by many families in Malaysia, particularly young parents striving to provide the best for their children,” she said.

Nancy stressed that iron deficiency was not a minor issue, as it could affect children’s growth, learning ability, and self-confidence.

“For this reason, the government supports the implementation of mandatory screening for iron deficiency at children’s clinics nationwide.

“This move is also in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan, which underscores the importance of preventive healthcare and expanding access to infrastructure and basic services, including in rural areas,” she said.

--BERNAMA