KUALA LUMPUR — A nationwide safety audit will be carried out immediately in all educational institutions, including fully residential schools (SBP) and daily boarding schools, the Education Ministry has announced.
In a statement today, the ministry said the audit will review compliance with all safety-related standard operating procedures (SOPs), with findings to be presented to its top management within three months.
It said the initiative is part of broader measures to strengthen safety across schools, including “revising safety SOPs and tackling disciplinary problems such as bullying.”
The ministry will also reform the current complaints system, including the Bullying Complaints Portal, to make it simpler and introduce an anonymous reporting option to protect the identity of complainants and witnesses.
“An Educational Institution Safety Reform Committee will also be set up, comprising academics, non-governmental organisations, subject matter experts, police representatives, and members of the Parents, Community and Private Sector Involvement (PIBKS) network,” read the statement.
The ministry said bullying would not be tolerated, with penalties including suspension and expulsion. A new intervention programme, Bangkit Bermaruah, focusing on community service and character development, will be introduced for suspended students.
“Administrators, teachers, and education officers who fail to handle bullying complaints in line with existing guidelines will face disciplinary action,” it added.
Psychosocial support will also be strengthened at all levels to promote the well-being of students, teachers, and school communities. Guidance and counselling teachers will remain central to prevention and intervention efforts.
“Creating a safe school ecosystem is our shared responsibility,” the ministry said, urging all parties to work together to address bullying comprehensively. — August 11, 2025