Kuala lumpur: The Anti-Bully Bill 2025, which among others aims to introduce dedicated mechanisms for handling bullying complaints, was tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced that the second reading is scheduled for this Wednesday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Bill, comprising 54 clauses, seeks to prevent and manage bullying cases in educational institutions and other establishments. It also provides for the establishment of a tribunal dedicated to anti-bullying efforts, with aims to raise awareness and prevent bullying, alongside addressing related issues.

Clause 29 of the Bill stipulates that the tribunal's jurisdiction includes hearing any bullying complaint made by a parent or guardian of the victim, following the guidelines under the proposed Act. Clause 30 outlines the exclusion of court jurisdiction when a bullying complaint is lodged with the tribunal, indicating a distinct legal pathway for such cases.

Subclause 31(4) details that any proceedings involving a child will be conducted by the tribunal in an informal, child-friendly manner, tailored to the child's age, maturity, and circumstances. The tribunal aims to prioritize resolving bullying complaints through mediation, provided both parties consent to the process and mediation is deemed appropriate.

If an agreement is reached during mediation, the tribunal will approve and record the resolution, which will be enforced as if it were a tribunal award. Under section 42, the tribunal may issue orders, such as requiring an adult respondent to publish an apology to the victim or removing bullying-related content from social media.

Additionally, there is a provision for the respondent or, in the case of a child respondent, their parent or guardian, to pay compensation or damages up to RM250,000 for losses or damages suffered by the victim due to bullying.