Parents of children found guilty of bullying may now face legal and financial consequences alongside their children under Malaysia’s newly enforced Anti-Bullying Act 2026.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Azalina Othman Said, said the law introduces a unique provision that allows parents to be held jointly liable if a bullying offender is found responsible by the Anti-Bullying Tribunal.
According to Azalina, the move is designed to ensure families play a more active role in preventing bullying and take responsibility for the actions of their children.
“Unlike ordinary criminal cases where responsibility falls solely on the offender, the Anti-Bullying Act extends liability to family members, particularly in matters involving fines and other penalties,” she said.
“We are transferring part of the liability and creating a system of joint responsibility involving the family.”
She made the remarks during the official launch of the Anti-Bullying Tribunal and its online reporting portal.
Also present at the event were Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Legal Affairs Division director-general Zamri Misman and Anti-Bullying Tribunal president Nurul Husna Awang.
The Anti-Bullying Tribunal was established under Section 25 of the Anti-Bullying Act 2026 (Act 876) and serves as a specialised body tasked with handling, hearing and deciding bullying cases quickly and comprehensively.
The tribunal is part of the government’s broader effort to tackle the growing problem of bullying, including physical, verbal, social and cyberbullying, particularly among young people.
Azalina said the tribunal is designed to be accessible and child-friendly, allowing complaints to be submitted both physically and online.
Importantly, victims and their families will not be required to lodge a police report before filing a complaint with the tribunal.
“This approach makes it easier for victims to access justice and increases public awareness of their rights,” she said.
“We want to encourage the public, especially children, to use the online registration system through the tribunal’s portal.”
Meanwhile, Nurul Husna revealed that Section 43 of the Act allows bullying victims to claim compensation of up to RM250,000.
She said offenders may also face additional orders, including mandatory apologies, removal of harmful online content, reimbursement of reasonable expenses, payment of compensation or damages, and attendance at counselling sessions.
Proceedings before the tribunal will be conducted in private and may take place physically, online or through hybrid arrangements to ensure a safe and supportive environment for child victims.
The tribunal will operate through six strategic zones nationwide, covering all states and federal territories, with hearings conducted at designated facilities including schools, education offices, MARA buildings, military camps, welfare department premises, court facilities, Syariah courts, legal aid offices and insolvency department offices.
The government believes the new framework will provide faster access to justice for victims while strengthening accountability among bullies and their families.
