Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin, who chairs the select committee on women, children, and community development, said she learnt from students today that lack of privacy had made them reluctant to report bullying to school authorities.

According to her, the students said they feared being seen using the bullying complaint boxes provided, as they were placed in highly visible school areas.

Yeo said the committee will suggest that the complaint boxes be relocated to less conspicuous places.

She also said she was surprised to hear that bullying reports were often shared and discussed among teachers, which discouraged students from reporting their experiences.

“We will refine our recommendations so that the education ministry can further improve their policies and guidelines.

“Privacy is not currently a priority in the ministry’s anti-bullying guidelines, so we will suggest that it be prioritised,” she said after the meeting held at the Parliament building attended by about 120 students.

Also present were Ampang MP and committee deputy chairman Rodziah Ismail, Kapar MP Halimah Ali, Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol, Suhakam chief children’s commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki and Unicef Malaysia representative Robert Gass.

Yeo said she had previously met lawmakers, parents and teachers’ groups and other NGOs to gather feedback on the issue, which will be compiled into a report and tabled in Parliament for debate.