PETALING JAYA: Bullying cases in schools will be handled holistically, says Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin.

       The Education Minister said when such cases happen, every component within the school ecosystem must be reviewed.

       “Bullying is an issue that has been happening for a long time.

       “We must look at each component to know what we can strengthen further to ensure our efforts to curb bullying in schools are a success.

       “If we are only focused on specific components, then we will not be able to curb wholly,” he told reporters on Thursday (Dec 16) after the national level Teachers Day 2021 Award presentation ceremony.

       He said the ministry has been looking at whether existing reporting systems are sufficient, as well as monitoring systems in schools and punishments.

       He said the ministry is in discussion with central agencies to look into whether to make warden positions in boarding schools as a monitoring component to reduce the risk of bullying.

       “Self-awareness among the students is another component; we cannot just talk about punishments and monitoring alone.

       “We must educate our students about rational behaviour and empathy towards others; these are important components,” he added.