THE Education Ministry has increased the number of school hostel wardens by 63% beginning August 1, 2022, with a minimum of three wardens in each dormitory to prevent bullying in schools, its minister Fadhlina Sidek said at the Dewan Rakyat today.

She said the ministry also conducts upskilling campaigns in accordance with the school governance guidelines.

Fadhlina said the ministry has instituted the home system develop human capital with knowledge and outstanding personality traits, in addition to programmes to build the character in secondary schools.

“All these programmes have been carried out, including those implemented under the bullying intervention guidelines, in all educational institutions under the ministry,” she said during the Minister’s Question Time session.

She said this in reply to a supplementary question from Kalam Salan (Sabak Bernam-PN) regarding the preventive measures to prevent bullying in schools.

Meanwhile, Fadhlina said the ministry always prioritised students in all institutions under its purview.

According to her, for cases that occurred in schools, both victims and perpetrators would be referred to teachers for counselling sessions.

“The ministry has a team to deal with the issues. The teachers will provide appropriate intervention and protection for the victims while an investigation is carried out.

“All bullying cases must be reported to the principal,” she said in response to a supplementary question from Mohamed Taufik Johari (Sungai Petani-PH) on the action to address the impact of bullying on students’ mental health. – Bernama, November 14, 2023.