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A TOTAL of 31 bullying cases have been recorded across eight public universities in Malaysia since 2014, involving both physical and cyberbullying, the Dewan Rakyat was told on Tuesday.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the incidents stemmed from a range of socio-psychological factors, including campus culture, influence of social media, and lack of parental supervision.
“For public universities, students found guilty of bullying may face disciplinary action under Regulation 3(1)(a)(2) of the Student Disciplinary Rules,” he said during Minister’s Question Time (MQT).
“These rules, amended and standardised in 2024, allow for punishments depending on the severity of the offence – from warnings and fines of up to RM500 to suspension or expulsion.”
Punishments may also include up to 240 hours of community service, restrictions on campus access, or removal from student residences.
For private higher education institutions, Zambry noted that the onus lies with the respective chief executives under the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 to maintain student welfare and discipline.
He emphasised the ministry’s firm stance: “The ministry practises zero tolerance towards bullying and will cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure transparent and professional investigations.”
Measures adopted to address bullying include strengthening campus CCTV systems, creating clear reporting channels, conducting awareness programmes, enhancing character-building initiatives, and developing standard operating procedures for handling misconduct.
Responding to a supplementary question by Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN – Alor Star) on whether the ministry would consider a “You Touch, You Go” policy similar to that used in Mara Junior Science Colleges, Zambry said that any case deemed serious or criminal is immediately referred to the police or relevant enforcement agencies.
Earlier in the session, Zambry also addressed concerns over the recent death of a Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) cadet, Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, who died on 28 July after undergoing training at the Combat Inoculation Range, Army Land Training Centre (Pulada) in Kota Tinggi, Johor.
“The report from a special committee set up to investigate the incident is expected soon,” he said. “The committee includes representatives from the Defence, Home and Health Ministries and will ensure a comprehensive review is carried out.”
Zambry confirmed that he had visited the family of the deceased and received a formal request from the mother for a reinvestigation. “I have informed the Attorney General’s Chambers of the matter,” he said.
Kota Tinggi police are currently conducting a detailed investigation into the case. District police chief Superintendent Yusof Othman said statements would be taken from witnesses and medical officers to determine the exact cause of death.
Reaffirming the ministry’s position, Zambry said, “If the case is deemed serious and involves a criminal offence, we will not hesitate to lodge a report with the authorities, including the police.” - August 12, 2025
