Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin welcomed the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said’s Anti-Bullying Tribunal initiative, stating that both the Education Ministry and the Sabah Education Department take school bullying very seriously.
“Student safety and welfare have always been our priorities,” he said after the announcement of the STPM 2025 results, Thursday.
He stressed that educational authorities do not intend to protect bullies, and that students found guilty of bullying would still face appropriate consequences and disciplinary action.
He said the Sabah Education Department, school principals and teachers had implemented numerous initiatives and interventions aimed at preventing bullying, with one important strategy involving psychometric assessments.
“The assessments aim to identify students’ tendencies, interests, behaviours and personality traits. Through these assessments, schools can identify students who may be at risk of engaging in bullying behaviour,” he said.
Raisin emphasised that identifying students who are at risk of becoming bullies is not intended to stigmatise them. Instead, the goal is to provide support and assistance before problems arise.
“The Education Department believes that students showing tendencies towards bullying should receive guidance and intervention rather than being ignored.
“We are committed to ensuring that all students, including those identified as high-risk, receive the help they need,” he said.
He said these risk assessments are based on instruments used to evaluate students’ interests, behavioural tendencies, habits and conduct within the school environment.
“The information gathered helps schools develop appropriate preventive measures and support systems to reduce bullying incidents,” he said.
