Malaysia launches anti-bullying tribunal under new 2026 Act

Malaysia has implemented the Anti-Bullying Act 2026, marked by the launch of a specialized anti-bullying tribunal. Led by sessions court judge Nurul Husna Awang and supported by 56 experts in fields such as law, mental health, and child welfare, the tribunal provides a secondary avenue for dispute resolution.

Law and Institutional Reform Minister Azalina Othman Said stated that while schools remain the first line of defense for handling complaints, the tribunal offers a faster, child-friendly alternative with civil jurisdiction. It will handle cases where educational institutions have failed to address issues or involve children outside the school system.

Tribunal decisions will be legally binding and can mandate compensation, apologies, or mandatory rehabilitation programs. Initially, the scope will focus on individuals aged 18 and below. The tribunal, based at the Asian International Arbitration Centre, may conduct hearings nationwide or online. For cyberbullying cases involving anonymous accounts, the tribunal may coordinate with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to identify perpetrators.