KL police say fight against bullying and gangsterism must start in primary school

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — Kuala Lumpur police have stressed that efforts to curb bullying and prevent the influence of gangsterism among students must begin as early as primary school through character-building and discipline-based initiatives.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said although various disciplinary offences had been recorded among primary school pupils, bullying and gangsterism required particular attention before they escalated into more serious problems.

“Yes, such disciplinary issues do exist at the primary school level. We do not deny that many disciplinary offences have been recorded among primary school pupils, but these two issues - bullying and gangsterism – are our priority,” he said.

He told reporters this after officiating the Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) programme on building character and instilling discipline among students at Sekolah Kebangsaan La Salle 2 Jinjang here today.

Fadil said the police would also not tolerate any form of gangsterism infiltrating educational institutions.

He said the programme was organised in collaboration with the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Education Department to strengthen ties between the police and school communities in an effort to nurture disciplined pupils with strong character.

According to Fadil, the programme, which previously focused on secondary school students, has now been expanded to primary schools.

“The programme will continue, covering all schools, with the active involvement of all school liaison officers and ongoing two-way communication between the education authorities and the police,” he said.

Earlier, in his speech at the event, Fadil said shaping the nation’s future generation was not solely the responsibility of schools, but required the collective efforts of parents, the community and the PDRM.

Commenting on the misuse of social media, including content promoting cigarettes and vaping that targets students, Fadil acknowledged that such activities were taking place and assured that the police would take firm action.

“These things do happen. People out there will try to use whatever means they can, particularly to attract new prospects. If we come across such activities, we will combat them relentlessly,” he said. — Bernama