The Anti-Bullying Act 2026 (Act 876), which came into force on March 1, places greater emphasis on rehabilitating victims and guiding perpetrators rather than relying solely on punishment.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the Act also introduced a new platform, the Anti-Bullying Tribunal (TAB), to address bullying complaints.
She said TAB was established not only to deal with perpetrators, but also to support victims, guide those responsible and ensure complaints are handled quickly and transparently.
Azalina also urged parents to understand their responsibilities under Act 876 and the role of TAB in tackling bullying.
“Parents must understand what the Anti-Bullying Act is really about. One of the unique aspects of this Act is that it recognises shared responsibility, including the responsibility of parents,” she said.
She was speaking at the Act 876 and TAB Role Literacy Programme at the Royal Military College (RMC) here.
Azalina stressed that bullying should never be treated as a tradition or a way of making someone stronger.
“We cannot view bullying as a tradition. Just because someone else was bullied and it has become a tradition does not mean it should be allowed,” she said.
She said bullying should instead be recognised as a form of intimidation and should never be justified as discipline or regarded as a symbol of leadership.
Azalina also urged students and others who witness bullying to speak up rather than protect the perpetrators.
“If we see our friends being bullied, whether inside or outside, do not remain silent. If we know someone is suffering, do not turn away,” she said.
She also encouraged victims themselves not to be afraid to speak out and lodge complaints with TAB.
Azalina told RMC students that standing up for victims was part of the values expected of those preparing for a career in the armed forces.
“You are here to defend. How can we defend against an enemy, but when faced with a friend who is a victim, we do not want to defend them?” she said.
