The Sabah Education Department has voiced its support for the proposed Anti-Bullying Tribunal, stressing that student safety and well-being remain top priorities in efforts to combat bullying in schools.
Sabah Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin welcomed the initiative introduced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, describing it as a positive step towards addressing bullying cases more effectively.
Speaking after the announcement of the 2025 STPM examination results on Thursday, Raisin said both the Ministry of Education and the Sabah Education Department take bullying incidents seriously and remain committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for students.
He emphasised that educational authorities do not shield students who engage in bullying and that appropriate disciplinary action will continue to be taken against those found responsible.
“Student safety and welfare have always been our priorities. Any student proven to have committed bullying will still face the necessary consequences and disciplinary measures,” he said.
Raisin explained that schools across Sabah have implemented various programmes, interventions and preventive strategies to reduce bullying incidents, including the use of psychometric assessments.
According to him, these assessments help identify students’ interests, behavioural tendencies, personality traits and other characteristics that may indicate a higher risk of engaging in bullying behaviour.
He stressed that the purpose of identifying students with such tendencies is not to label or stigmatise them, but rather to provide support and guidance before problems escalate.
“The objective is to help students who may be at risk, not to punish them in advance. Early intervention allows schools to offer the necessary assistance and counselling,” he said.
Raisin added that the Education Department believes students displaying signs of aggressive or bullying behaviour should receive proper guidance and intervention rather than being overlooked.
He said the department remains committed to ensuring that all students, including those categorised as high-risk, have access to the support they need to develop positive behaviour.
The assessments are conducted using instruments designed to evaluate students’ interests, habits, conduct and behavioural patterns within the school environment.
Information obtained through these evaluations enables schools to develop targeted prevention programmes and support systems aimed at reducing bullying cases and fostering a healthier school culture.
The Sabah Education Department believes that proactive measures, combined with strong disciplinary enforcement and continuous student support, are essential in creating safer schools and preventing bullying before it occurs.
