Gov't to embark on nationwide roadshows to curb bullying in schools: Rohani

GEORGE TOWN: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will be embarking on nationwide roadshows and campaign after the Aidilfitri celebration, aimed at curbing bullying in schools.
Its minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the ministry would also incorporate the campaign against bullying into the awareness campaigns on the Child Act (Amendment) 2016 and sexual crimes.
"We (ministry) also want to ensure that actions are taken as we wish to put a stop to bullying. For me, the right penalty is the heaviest possible. This is to prevent (bullying) , not to simply punish (the offenders).
"I have noticed that bullying have become rampant over the past month or two. Do we want our country's image to be smeared with more of such cases? Let this be a lesson, stop bullying. We are a developed country, we have laws. So, enough is enough," she told reporters after paying her last respects to T. Nhaveen at the Batu Gantung crematorium, here, today.
Nhaveen, 18, had suffered serious injuries after being bullied and brutally assaulted by a group of teenagers early Saturday morning in Jalan Kaki Bukit, Taman Tun Sardon, here. He died at Penang Hospital at 6pm yesterday.
Rohani urged the public to join the fight against bullying, especially involving school students and teenagers.
She also said that the family institution needed to play its part in fostering love and mutual respect among people in order to produce a younger generation that is tolerant and non-aggressive.
"Help us at the ministry because ultimately, we are all affected. Don't let this happen to us and our family members. The (Nhaveen's) family has suffered enough," she said.
In was reported that in the incident at 2.10am, five teenagers aged between 16 and 18 had repeatedly kicked and also hit Nhaveen and his friend T.Previin with crash helmets.
Previin, who was also injured and currently being treated at the same hospital, however, managed to escape while they were allegedly dragged to a field nearby.
Nhaveen also suffered from a torn anus due to it being inserted with a blunt object and there were burn marks on his shoulders as well.
Following the incident, police arrested five youths including two Form Four and Five students for investigation. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. — Bernama