Kuala lumpur: Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has urged all parties to remain vigilant regarding any complaints of bullying. She emphasized the importance of parents being attentive to their children’s concerns and reporting any incidents to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) via the 15999 helpline or contacting the police if the bullying occurs at school or home.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy stressed that bullying should not become normalized in society, and the government is committed to taking firm action against it. She encouraged victims to reach out to trusted individuals if their parents are part of the problem and urged the community to provide a safe space for children to voice their concerns. The minister highlighted the role of the 15999 helpline as a vital resource in combating bullying.
Nancy made these remarks following a visit to the Sekolah Rendah Agama Al-Khawarizmi temporary evacuation centre, currently housing 66 people from 17 families who are victims of a fire. Earlier in the day, she also officiated the 2025 Federal Territory-level child protection advocacy programme at the Kerinchi Children’s Activity Centre (PAKK), alongside Communications Minister and Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The programme, as Nancy explained, is part of preventative efforts to raise public awareness about child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and bullying, aligning with the implementation of the Child Act 2001. JKM statistics reveal that as of June, 650 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the need for community involvement in addressing these issues.
Nancy also commented on her ministry’s ongoing support for the case involving Form One student, Zara Qairina Mahathir. JKM was the first agency to reach out to Zara’s mother to offer assistance. The investigation’s outcome is pending, and Nancy assured that the ministry would closely monitor developments, leaving the responsibility to the Attorney General’s Chambers and the police.
Expressing her condolences to Zara Qairina’s family, Nancy shared their grief and urged them to remain calm and cooperate with authorities. Zara, aged 13, was declared dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on July 17, after being found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar the previous day.