Kuala lumpur: A total of 31 bullying cases were reported at public universities from 2014 to 2025, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said. He stated that these cases involved both physical and cyberbullying, which could arise from social, psychological, and campus environmental factors, social media influence, and lack of parental supervision.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zambry elaborated that the Higher Education Ministry (MoHE) has implemented several measures to address bullying and improve the safety and well-being of students at all public universities. These measures include establishing a zero-tolerance culture towards bullying, creating a bullying case reporting mechanism, enhancing campus security systems through the broader installation of closed-circuit television cameras, and launching bullying awareness and education programs.
During the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Zambry responded to a query from Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) regarding the steps taken by MoHE to curb bullying incidents in public and private higher education institutions. In addressing a supplementary question from Afnan about the death of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES) cadet officer Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, Zambry mentioned that the case is under investigation. He also noted that he had visited Syamsul Haris’ family and heard directly from his mother, who has officially requested the investigation be reopened.
Zambry further stated that the Defence Ministry has established a special committee involving the Home Ministry and the Health Ministry to ensure a thorough report is prepared promptly. Syamsul Haris, 22, reportedly died while undergoing PALAPES UTM training at the Army Combat Training Centre (PULADA) in Ulu Tiram, Johor, on July 28.
In another response, Zambry emphasized that there is no discrimination against any individual, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), who meet the requirements to pursue higher education. He clarified that the ministry’s policy safeguards the rights of PWDs to further their studies and ensures the provision of necessary basic facilities at higher education institutions. This statement was in response to a supplementary question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) regarding a PWD student allegedly denied entry into a public university despite applying through the Central University Admission Unit (UPU).