Bullying in schools has become an alarming concern in Malaysia, with recent incidents showing just how deeply the problem has taken root. While the nation is still mourning the tragic death of student Zara Qairina following an alleged bullying case, another family has come forward with their own painful experience.
Photo via faithour
Mohd Anas Sudin, the father of a 15-year-old girl, revealed that his daughter endured months of harassment from a classmate. The trouble began after an exam, when she refused to let the classmate copy her answers. In retaliation, the classmate began calling her “kacip,” a nickname that soon became a form of ridicule.
At first, Mohd Anas was puzzled by his daughter’s sudden reluctance to attend school and repeated requests to transfer. Only after he pressed her to speak up did she reveal the emotional torment she had been facing. She had even reported it to a disciplinary teacher, but the bullying did not stop. Instead, it appeared the matter had been brushed aside as “kids being kids,” ignoring the emotional toll it was taking on her.
Fearing for his daughter’s well-being, Mohd Anas and his wife decided to transfer her to another school. However, the process was delayed due to what he described as a lack of cooperation from school authorities, who claimed the headmaster was unavailable. Eventually, after lodging a police report, the transfer went through.
Since moving to her new school, his daughter has shown signs of improvement and regained her confidence. “When I heard about Zara Qairina’s case, I immediately thought of my daughter. She may have only been a victim of emotional bullying, but I am grateful I acted before it became worse,” he shared.
Photo via Sinar Harian
In response to the growing crisis, the Ministry of Education has rolled out a nationwide anti-bullying campaign. Students are now required to chant “Kami benci buli” (We hate bullying) before entering class and again before leaving school. According to Director-General of Education Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad, the initiative aims to rebuild students’ mentality and create a safer environment.
Other measures include safety audits in all schools, more wardens in hostels, strategic placement of CCTV cameras, and tighter safety protocols.
Bullying—whether physical, verbal, or emotional—is not “just part of growing up.” It is a serious issue that can have lifelong consequences. Parents, teachers, and students must work together to stop it, and no concern should ever be dismissed. If a child shows sudden changes in behaviour or reluctance to attend school, speak up, take action, and remember: if something feels wrong, it probably is.
