Kota Kinabalu: Likas Assemblyman Tham Yun Fook called on the Ministry of Education (MoE) to implement six measures to combat school violence, following a viral video showing five female teenage students allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old schoolgirl.
The measures he outlined are:
- Strengthening anti-bullying enforcement procedures in schools;
- Imposing stricter disciplinary action against students involved in violence;
- Making counselling sessions and parental involvement mandatory;
- Enhancing cooperation between schools and the police;
- Promoting moral education and anti-bullying awareness campaigns; and
- Strictly monitoring the misuse of social media for bullying or planning violent acts.
Tham said the incident goes far beyond a routine student dispute and constitutes a serious case of group assault, intimidation and humiliation.
“Even more alarming is the allegation that the victim was threatened not to inform her family or the police about the incident,” he said.
“Such behaviour has clearly crossed the boundaries of school disciplinary issues and has become a challenge to the rule of law and basic moral values,” he added.
Police have launched a preliminary investigation into the matter.
Tham said the incident reflects a troubling trend in which bullying has become increasingly violent, organised and public, pointing out that existing prevention mechanisms, counselling systems and disciplinary measures are no longer adequate.
He also urged parents and schools to pay closer attention to children’s emotional wellbeing and social circles, and called on police to complete their investigation swiftly.
“Schools should be safe places for students to learn and grow, not environments where children live in fear. Any form of bullying and violence must never be silenced or tolerated,” he said.
