KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 — Only 31 bullying cases have been recorded in eight public institutes of higher learning (IPTAs) over the past 11 years, with disciplinary action taken in each case.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said the cases, reported between 2014 and 2025, involve both physical bullying and cyberbullying.
Factors included social and psychological pressures, campus environments, social media influence, and a lack of parental supervision.
“Any student involved in bullying can face disciplinary action under the Student Disciplinary Rules, which were standardised in 2024. Punishments range from warnings, community service, and fines, to suspension or expulsion,” he said during the Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat here today.
For private universities, Zambry said Section 33 of the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 places responsibility for student welfare and discipline on heads of these institutions, including preventive measures and case management.
Preventive measures include awareness programmes, anti-bullying campaigns, CCTV installation, and improved reporting systems.
He said the ministry maintains a zero-tolerance policy on bullying and will cooperate fully with authorities in any investigation.
On the recent case involving Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Reserve Officer Training Unit (Palapes) cadet Syamsul Arif, who died during training, Zambry said the student’s family has requested the case be reopened.
The matter has been referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, while the Defence, Home and Health Ministries have formed a special committee to review the case.
Meanwhile, Zambry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access for students with disabilities. He said a disabled applicant who recently vented his frustration on social media over purported discrimination will be placed at a suitable IPTA.
