Malaysia Launches Anti-Bullying Tribunal to Deliver Faster Justice and Protect Victims
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has taken a major step in its fight against bullying with the official launch of the Tribunal for Anti-Bullying, a new legal mechanism designed to handle bullying-related cases swiftly, effectively, and comprehensively.
The tribunal was officially launched on Tuesday by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) in Kuala Lumpur.
Established under Section 25 of the Anti-Bullying Act 2026 (Act 876), the tribunal will serve as a dedicated body responsible for hearing, adjudicating, and deciding cases involving various forms of bullying, including verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying.
Azalina described the tribunal’s launch as a significant milestone in the MADANI government’s ongoing commitment to tackling bullying, which continues to pose a serious threat to public well-being, particularly among young people.
“The establishment of this tribunal reflects our determination to create a safer environment for all Malaysians and to ensure victims of bullying have access to timely and effective remedies,” she said.
The launch ceremony was attended by MARA Chairman Datuk Wira Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Legal Affairs Division Director-General Datuk Zamri Misman, Anti-Bullying Tribunal President Nurul Husna Awang, as well as senior officials from various ministries and government agencies.
According to Azalina, the tribunal will operate based on restorative justice principles, offering a victim-centred approach that is faster, more affordable, and less complex than conventional court proceedings.
To support its implementation, the Anti-Bullying (Tribunal for Anti-Bullying) Regulations 2026 also came into force on Tuesday, outlining the procedures and operational framework for handling bullying complaints and tribunal proceedings.
As part of the tribunal’s establishment, Azalina announced the appointment of 56 tribunal members comprising legal experts and child welfare specialists. They will serve as independent panel members responsible for hearing and deciding cases professionally and impartially.
To ensure equal access to justice, members of the public will be able to submit complaints through a dedicated online portal, allowing victims and concerned parties to seek assistance more easily.
Looking ahead, the tribunal will work closely with the National Legal Academy (APN) and the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) to conduct continuous advocacy and awareness programmes. These initiatives aim to educate stakeholders on victims’ rights and the tribunal’s role in providing quicker and more cost-effective remedies than traditional court processes.
Azalina said the success of the Anti-Bullying Act 2026 would depend on a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, with institutions such as SUHAKAM and Parliament playing important oversight roles to ensure transparency and accountability.
She expressed hope that the tribunal would contribute to the creation of a safer and more inclusive society while advancing the national vision of a BullyFreeGeneration.
“The fight against bullying requires collective responsibility. Through this tribunal, we are strengthening protection for victims while fostering a culture of respect, accountability and justice,” she said.