New legislation targets school bullying, sets major compensation penalties and plans wider coverage.
Malaysia has taken a decisive step toward curbing bullying nationwide, passing a landmark bill that introduces stronger protections for students while setting the foundation for future legal expansion. The move reflects rising concerns over escalating bullying cases affecting vulnerable school-aged children.
Strengthening Legal Protection for Students
Malaysia’s House of Representatives approved the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025 on December 3, marking the country’s strongest legislative action yet to address bullying in schools. The bill contains 54 clauses focused on preventing abuse in educational institutions, establishing a formal tribunal, and offering structured remedies for victims.
Rising Bullying Cases Drive Urgency
The bill’s sponsor, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said, revealed that Malaysian schools have recorded more than 14,000 bullying cases annually since 2019. Data from the Education Ministry’s Student Personality System shows that most incidents occur in primary and secondary schools, with children being the most vulnerable.
Between August and October alone, 160 police reports were filed involving physical or online bullying, with 78 percent of victims aged 6 to 17. These trends underscored the need for a legal mechanism to safeguard minors and hold perpetrators accountable.
Compensation Up to RM250,000
A key feature of the new law is the introduction of financial compensation for victims, capped at RM250,000, or approximately S$78,500. Azalina explained that the compensation scale can range from large sums to symbolic amounts as low as 50 sen, depending on the tribunal’s decision.
She emphasized that financial liability is intended to deter bullying, especially among minors whose parents could be required to pay damages. This approach aims to reinforce parental responsibility in supervising children’s behavior.
Parents Must Participate in Counselling
Beyond penalties, the bill ensures that parents cannot deflect blame onto schools or educators. Those found responsible may be ordered to attend counselling sessions mandated by a government agency, reinforcing shared accountability between families and institutions.
Plans to Expand Law to Adults in 2026
While the bill currently applies to individuals under 18, the government plans to broaden its scope. Azalina confirmed that Malaysia will consider extending protections to university students and adults aged 18 and above in 2026 after evaluating the law’s first-phase effectiveness.
Civil and Criminal Pathways Remain Open
The Anti-Bullying Tribunal will preside over civil cases, but the legislation does not hinder criminal reporting. Parents and victims may still escalate serious or violent bullying incidents directly to the police. The bill passed by voice vote, reflecting strong legislative support for the new framework.
Malaysia’s Anti-Bullying Bill 2025 marks a crucial milestone in safeguarding young people while shaping a broader national approach to violence prevention. With structured penalties, counselling requirements, and future plans for expansion, the legislation is poised to influence conversations on student welfare across the region, including within Singapore’s educational landscape.
Sources: Vietnam Plus (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Anti Bullying Law, Malaysia Parliament, Azalina Othman Said, School Bullying, Student Tribunal
