Education Ministry wants zero bullying in schools - Kamalanathan

The Education Ministry wants schools to achieve 'zero' bullying in the near future, says deputy minister P. Kamalanathan.

He said although bullying in schools had dropped to 0.05 per cent last year as compared to 0.08 per cent in 2013, the ministry was not satisfied and considered the matter still serious.

"If possible, we want to eradicate bullying in schools. Although it does not happen daily, I am disappointed that it is still occurring among schoolchildren.

"We hope all parties, including parents and teachers work together in addressing the issue from recurring in the future," he said after visiting bully victim Mohd Irfan Azizan, 13, at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital here today.

Kamalanathan said he was relieved the student who sustained internal injuries as a result of bullying was recovering and would be allowed to return home soon.

In the 3am incident on Thursday, the Form One student of a private religious secondary school near here sustained head and body injuries and was bleeding after an assault by five senior students at the school hostel.

His assailants had accused him of stealing a mobile phone.

Although the incident occurred at a private school, the ministry would continue to monitor the case to prevent a recurrence, said Kamalanathan.

He hoped schools would take disciplinary action against those involved in bullying.

Meanwhile, Mohd Irfan's father, Azizan A. Aziz, 40, said the family had forgiven the five students and would send Mohd Irfan back to school once he recovered.