Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has expressed its readiness to provide input on the proposal to establish a tribunal to address bullying cases involving students and children. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated that the ministry is responsible for the Child Act 2001 and other related legislation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy emphasized the importance of KPWKM’s role and mentioned that the ministry is prepared to contribute once the proposal is brought to the Cabinet. The ministry will assess its relevance to their jurisdiction and collaborate accordingly, or it may fall under the Legal Affairs Division. This statement came during the launch of the Wall of Iron Strong programme by Danone Malaysia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the proposal for the tribunal would be presented at a Cabinet meeting. Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), will present the proposal, highlighting the government’s consideration of an Anti-Bullying Act. Discussions at the policy level are ongoing, involving various ministries, each with its perspective on enforcement.
Azalina noted the absence of specific definitions or penalties for bullying offences under current laws. The need for a tribunal is part of a broader discussion on the legislative framework necessary to address bullying effectively.
In a related development, Nancy detailed KPWKM’s ongoing partnership with Danone to improve children’s welfare, particularly those in KPWKM-supervised institutions. The Wall of Iron Strong programme, a collaboration between the National Population and Family Development Board and Danone, aims to combat anaemia in children across Malaysia.
Nancy cited Danone’s Iron Strong Study, which found significant risks of anaemia among young children. The study revealed that children aged six to 12 months have the highest risk, with substantial risk remaining in those aged 12 to 36 months. These statistics highlight the challenges faced by many families in Malaysia.
Nancy underscored the serious implications of iron deficiency on children’s development and learning. She announced government support for mandatory iron deficiency screenings at children’s clinics, aligning with the 13th Malaysia Plan’s focus on preventive healthcare and expanding access to essential services, even in rural areas.