Despite CCTVs, 2,795 bullying cases in schools is still one too many!

Wait... Bullying is NOT a crime in Malaysia?
9 months ago
[Note: The image above is from a Youtube video by Fusion Malaysian featuring young actors. Watch the full video here]
Recently the Malaysian public was shocked by two cases of bullying that was taken to such extreme lengths that resulted in the victims losing their lives.


Zulfarhan and his family. Photo credit: says.com
In the first incident, Malaysia National Defence University (UPNM) Naval Cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain was sent to the hospital with horrible injuries which included burn marks allegedly caused by a steam iron. Five university students were charged with his murder while another was charged with abetting of the act. In the second incident, 18 year old T. Nhaveen was allegedly tortured, beaten and sodomised by his high school classmates because he was “effeminate” and that he refused to join their secret gang society. Four of his ex-schoolmates (including two who are underaged) were charged with his murder and for causing grievous hurt … for more, go to https://asklegal.my/p/wait-bullying-is-not-a-crime-in-malaysia

Despite CCTVs, 2,795 bullying cases in schools is still one too many!

It was revealed in the current Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) session that bullying cases in schools had dropped from 3,448 in 2016 to 2,795 in 2017 after CCTV cameras were installed at high-risk schools.

That’s well and good. It’s heartening to note the improvement.

“However, there should be zero tolerance for school indiscipline, especially bullying,” Gerakan Deputy Speaker Syed Abdul Razak Alsagoff said.

He said the education authorities, at both state and federal levels, still had much work to do. “Even with CCTVs installed, there were still 2,795 bullying cases. That’s one too many!”

Syed Razak said the school bullies had no fear for the law and authorities, despite the presence of CCTVs.

“At such a tender age, they are already challenging the law. What do you think they will grow up to when they join the working society?” he asked.

A screengrab of a video which went viral on YouTube show a group of primary school students kicking a schoolmate on the ground.

WHY MULLED? JUST DO IT FAST!

Year-long suspension for school bullies mulled

BY IDA NADIRAH IBRAHIM

Monday October 17, 2016

07:41 AM GMT+8

PETALING JAYA, Oct 17 — The Education Ministry is proposing suspension as a punishment for school bullies with the aggressors getting a maximum of one-year community service or time in a rehabilitation centre. Its minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the move, which could be implemented in January, was being proposed for primary and secondary schools as the current measures were deemed ineffective. He said the period of suspension would depend on the offence, but there should be no compromise for students who incited or led the bullying in a group. “At the moment, we don’t have a solid action we can impose on school bullies aside from caning and engagement with parents,” Mahdzir said … for more, go to http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/year-long-suspension-for-school-bullies-mulled

Syed Razak, who is Gerakan’s nominee to contest N.37 Bukit Lanjan in the coming 14th General Election (GE14), said the education authorities must treat the problem with utmost urgency and to “nip it in the bud”.

“They must rope in all related professionals, including psychologists, to determine the causes of such school bullies.

“When we know the exact causes, perhaps more accurate and effective remedial measures, like counselling, could be taken or implemented,” he added.

“There is really, really, much work for our educators and discipline teachers. And they must adopt a zero tolerance level and strive to eradicate the problem of school bullies.

“And, the education authorities must strive to have CCTVs installed in all schools, not only in high-risk schools,” he added.

Here’s what national news agency Bernama reported from Parliament as posted by online news portal Free Malaysia Today (FMT):

"CCTV cameras see less bullying in schools

Bernama
| April 2, 2018

But Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan says the ministry will not rest on its laurels.

DEWAN RAKYAT

Cameras and CCTV monitors have been installed at high-risk schools to ensure the safety of students and teachers.

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan today revealed a drop in bullying cases in schools, from 3,448 in 2016 to 2,795 in 2017.

He said among the factors that had contributed to the decline was the installation of CCTV cameras at high-risk schools.

“However, we at the ministry are not happy yet, and will not rest on our laurels as the involvement and cooperation of various quarters will further help to create a zero-bully situation,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from William Leong (PKR-Selayang) on the latest developments concerning the installation of CCTV cameras at schools with records of disciplinary problems, to monitor crime and ensure students’ safety.

Kamalanathan said based on the current contract under the education ministry, eight cameras and two CCTV monitors were installed at high-risk schools.

He said the cameras were installed at three places: the main entrance, inside the guardhouse and the entrance of the administrative office.

The rest are to be installed in locations determined by the school administrators, such as laboratories, workshops, stationery stores and dining halls.

However, he said the cameras should be set up in appropriate areas that did not violate the rights and freedom of students and teachers. - FMT"

N.37 LET BUKIT LANJAN SOAR WITH SYED ABDUL RAZAK ALSAGOFF