Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is among the first countries in the region to have a dedicated restorative justice-based mechanism to address bullying issues, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced this development, highlighting the enforcement of the Anti-Bullying Act 2026 and the establishment of the Anti-Bullying Tribunal, which began operations on June 16.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the tribunal was established as a special mechanism to hear and manage bullying complaints more quickly, while emphasizing victim recovery and educating perpetrators instead of merely imposing punishment. Azalina stated that Malaysia is among the earliest countries in the region to provide a dedicated recovery-based complaint resolution mechanism for bullying issues. The focus on restorative justice rather than punitive punishment ensures that perpetrators are given an opportunity to change, while victims receive due redress and justice.
The Anti-Bullying Act 2026 was gazetted on January 23 before coming into force on June 16, introducing legal responsibilities for parties failing to take action in bullying incidents. Azalina mentioned that under Section 2 of the Act, protected victims include children below 18 years old, students undergoing education or training at educational institutions, as well as children who are being detained, rehabilitated, or protected at relevant institutions.
The tribunal, established under Section 24 of the Act, offers victims a faster avenue for resolution, with jurisdiction to hear and manage bullying complaints. It is headed by tribunal president Nurul Husna Awang and deputy president Dr. Gan Chi Keong, who were appointed from among officers of the Judicial and Legal Service. The tribunal has 56 members comprising experts in education and children's affairs, serving as panel members on a rotational basis.
Azalina also highlighted the development of the e-TAP electronic complaint system by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department. This system allows complainants to file bullying complaints and respondents to submit their replies online. The tribunal is further supported by the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Regulations 2026, which detail procedures for filing complaints, issuing witness summonses, and conducting tribunal proceedings. Specific guidelines for cases involving children are set to ensure their emotional and psychological well-being is safeguarded.
The tribunal will collaborate with the National Education Academy and the Office of the Children's Commissioner to implement continuous educational programs involving educators, parents, and various stakeholders. Although the Act currently focuses on protecting children and individuals below 18 years old, the government is prepared to study proposals to expand the scope of protection to include victims aged 18 and above should there be a need in the future.