Melaka: The Melaka government, through the State Education Department (JPN), is set to launch the Anti-Bullying Movement for Boarding School Students (G.A.M.A) Programme next week. This initiative aims to create a safer and bully-free environment within boarding schools.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman highlighted the programme as a strategic initiative that builds on the 2019 establishment of the Melaka Anti-Bullying Task Force. This task force was created to address bullying issues in boarding schools.

“The G.A.M.A programme is organised by the Student Affairs Unit, Student Development Sector of the Melaka JPN, in collaboration with the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department, the Melaka Police Headquarters, and the Islamic Family Laws Division of the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM),” Rahmad stated. This programme aligns with the Education Ministry’s ‘Reformasi@Sekolah’ agenda, focusing on support, accountability, and strategic collaboration between schools, local communities, and enforcement agencies.

The announcement was made after Rahmad attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sekolah Menengah (SM) Pay Fong dormitory building, officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof. The G.A.M.A programme launch is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, at SM Sains Muzaffar Syah.

Rahmad also addressed the issue of bullying in Melaka’s boarding schools, emphasizing that stricter measures, including possible expulsion, would be taken against students involved in bullying incidents. He noted that a recent case in Melaka, involving mockery, sarcasm, and punishment, is still considered bullying and will be addressed accordingly.

“We have instructed JPN to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent bullying case and ensure appropriate action is taken against those involved,” Rahmad stated. He expressed hope that such firm actions would serve as a deterrent to prevent future occurrences of bullying and urged students to support each other instead.