Lau says the legislation reflects the government’s commitment to addressing bullying while sending a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. – Photo by Mikhail Nilov/Pexels
KUCHING (June 19): The Anti-Bullying Act 2026, which came into force on June 16, has been lauded as a significant move towards tackling bullying and fostering a safer learning environment for students nationwide.
Kapitan Datuk Lau Sie Lok said the legislation reflects the government’s commitment to addressing bullying while sending a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
The Simpang Tiga Area Community Association and Padawan Foochow Association president said the Act is timely and necessary as it raises public awareness while strengthening protection for victims.
“The introduction of the concept of ‘shared responsibility’ recognises that addressing bullying is not solely the responsibility of schools, but also families and the wider community.
“Parents are a child’s first teachers. Besides monitoring academic performance, they must also pay attention to character development and behavioural issues,” he said in a statement.
Lau stressed that anti-bullying efforts should focus on education and prevention rather than punishment alone, saying bullying is not merely a disciplinary issue.
Lau Sie Lok
He said children require guidance from both schools and families to develop positive values from an early age.
“Legal measures alone will not eradicate bullying.
“Effective prevention requires collaboration among schools, parents, communities and government agencies through education, counselling and awareness programmes,” he said.
He emphasised that while children should be encouraged to excel and compete, they must also learn to respect others.
“A child who learns to respect will grow into a responsible and compassionate citizen. That is the true purpose of education,” he said.
Lau also welcomed the Act’s emphasis on preventive measures and collective accountability, describing it as a progressive approach that addresses the root causes of bullying rather than focusing solely on punishment after incidents occur.
He expressed hope that the Act would serve as a strong deterrent against bullying and help create a more harmonious and inclusive school environment.
“Only through cooperation among schools, families, society and the government can we establish a comprehensive framework that ensures every child grows up in a safe, healthy and dignified environment free from bullying,” he said.
