Cabinet to consider expanding anti-bullying tribunal to university students

At a press conference linked to the Anti-Bullying Act 2026 Literacy Programme, Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the Cabinet must consider whether the Anti-Bullying Tribunal should cover people over 18, such as university students. The tribunal, launched on 16 June alongside the Act, presently deals only with children up to age 18 and acts as an alternative dispute-resolution mechanism for school bullying cases.

Azalina explained that although adults are usually assumed to manage their own affairs, younger adults may still require safeguards, and the ministry’s stance will influence the Cabinet’s decision. She compared the tribunal to the Sexual Harassment Tribunal, emphasizing its deterrent role and case-by-case discretion. Since its inception, the tribunal has logged 61 complaints, with 72 % involving physical bullying, and it can award both punitive and supportive measures. Schools already have internal processes, but the tribunal offers an extra avenue for unresolved disputes.