Report bullying, sexual harassment through proper channels, Sibu official tells students

SIBU (Oct 4): Students who experience bullying or sexual harassment in school should report these incidents through proper channels, said Sibu Division Resident Office Administrative Officer, Abdul Malik Hashim.

He expressed concern over the growing trend of students using social media to voice their complaints, stating that this approach may not be the most appropriate.

“We can’t blame them because we live in a world without borders nowadays and everything will be uploaded on social media. However, it’s more appropriate to lodge your complaints through the proper channel,” he said.

Abdul Malik was speaking at the Jiwa Madani Programme at SMK Deshon here today.

The event was attended by over 100 students and featured a motivational talk titled ‘Teen Sex and Sexual Disorders’ by Dr Tiong Ho Ching from the Sibu Division Health Department.

Also present were SMK Deshon Senior Assistant for Student Affairs, Alli Hassan Teck and Sibu District Information Officer, Zaini Morshidi.

Abdul Malik noted that bullying and sexual harassment are not only prevalent in schools but can also occur in workplaces.

“Therefore, by uploading your dissatisfaction through social media, it will only portray a negative view of you in the eyes of the people,” he added.

He encouraged students to focus on maximising their potential during their time in school.

“Every student has their talent and they should make use of their own talent to build as much success as possible.”

Meanwhile, Zaini emphasised that the establishment of the Madani Community is not a political initiative.

Instead, it is aimed at helping the government deliver timely information and policies to the public, he said.

“It is not political but a voluntary establishment formed to help the people who want to bring changes to their villages.”

He added that the Madani Community would also aid the Information Department in better disseminating information, particularly to students, ensuring that they stay informed about government actions and policies.

Zaini mentioned that each Madani Community receives funding to support its activities.

“We need support from the Resident Office, the Education Office, the Health Office to make the department’s agenda a success,” he said.