MOE to audit school safety nationwide, crack down on bullying

THE Ministry of Education (MOE) has ordered a comprehensive safety audit of all schools across Malaysia, including boarding institutions and day school hostels, as part of a national push to improve student welfare and stamp out bullying.

The audit, to be completed within three months, will assess adherence to school safety standard operating procedures (SOPs), according to Director-General of Education, Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad.

“The findings of this audit will be presented to the Ministry’s top management within three months to ensure immediate follow-up action can be taken,” he said in a statement issued on Monday.

Dr Mohd Azam said the audit forms part of broader efforts to update and strengthen safety protocols, especially in light of increasing concerns over bullying and student misconduct.

“This includes efforts to update our policies to reflect current and future needs,” he added.

To facilitate the reporting of bullying incidents, KPM will reform its complaint system — including the ‘Aduan Buli’ portal — making it more accessible and allowing anonymous submissions to protect complainants and witnesses.

A new committee, the Educational Institution Safety Reform Committee (Jawatankuasa Reformasi Keselamatan Institusi Pendidikan), will also be established. Comprising academics, civil society groups, police, experts from various fields and representatives from the Parent-Community-Private Sector Engagement (PIBKS) platform, the body will advise the Ministry on strengthening school security.

“KPM will not compromise on bullying. Stern action will be taken, including suspension and expulsion,” Dr Mohd Azam said firmly.

He added that heads of schools, teachers, and officers at district and state education offices who fail to act on bullying complaints in accordance with existing guidelines will also face disciplinary measures.

In a bid to rehabilitate offenders and prevent reoffending, the Ministry is introducing an intervention initiative, ‘Rise with Dignity’ (Bangkit Bermaruah), aimed at students who are suspended from school. The programme will emphasise character development and community service.

Psychosocial support systems will also be expanded, with guidance and counselling teachers playing a central role in both prevention and intervention efforts.

The Ministry has called on parents, educators, and the broader community to work together in addressing bullying, noting that “creating a safe school ecosystem is a shared responsibility”. - August 11, 2025