Bullying in Sarawak at its highest with 36 cases reported between Jan-Oct — Fatimah

KUCHING (Dec 3): Sarawak recorded its highest number of bullying cases this year, with 36 cases reported between January and October, said Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

She said this was almost double the number of cases (15) reported in the same period last year, which highlighted the need for continuous awareness and intervention.

“In 2023, there 20 cases, and 14 in 2022,” she said during her ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here yesterday.

She said to address this issue, the ministry had organised the ‘Intellectual Discourse on Bullying among Children’ programme on Sept 27, which involved 150 participants.

The initiative was held in collaboration with the Sarawak Education Department, Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Sarawak Health Department, Henry Gurney School Puncak Borneo and local non-government organisations.

“It aimed to raise awareness on the types of bullying, clarify the roles of various agencies, strengthen intervention procedures, and empower communities and schools as primary protectors of children,” she said.

On the issue of teenage pregnancies, Fatimah said the ministry, through the One-Stop Teen Pregnancy Committee, has implemented the Sexual Education Awareness and Advocacy (KAPS) programme in secondary schools.

“Additionally, the ministry organised the Social Development Dialogue (RPS) programme to enhance teenagers’ understanding of sexual education.

“Starting in 2024, the KAPS programme was also piloted in primary schools.

“From 2024 to November 2025, 21 KAPS programmes were conducted, reaching 4,865 students,” she said.

Regarding domestic violence cases in Sarawak, Fatimah said they had decreased by 4.1 per cent, with 444 cases recorded as of October 2025, compared to 463 cases during the same period in 2024.

However, she noted that the issue remained a key concern for the ministry.

“The Sarawak Women and Family Department continues to run awareness programmes, including Know Your Rights courses and Pocket Talks, reaching 5,088 participants. Eighty-eight per cent reported improved understanding of family rights and safety,” she added.