13/08/2025

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Bullying in schools under public scrutiny again

Sabah given broader role in oil and gas industry KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah has been given broader participation in the oil and gas industry value chain, including through the involvement of state-owned companies such as SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd via the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA). Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Azalina Othman Said said the strategic collaboration between Petronas and the Sabah government was strengthened with the signing of the CCA on Dec 7, 2021. She added that as of the first quarter of this year, 326 Sabah-based companies have been licensed and registered as Petronas vendors. “Following the signing of the CCA, the value of contracts awarded to these companies increased from RM613 million to RM2 billion as of last year,”she said in a written reply to a parliamentary question published on the Dewan Rakyat portal on Monday. She was responding to Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan (GRS-Keningau), who had asked for clarification on when the government and Petronas would implement the agreements with the Sabah government regarding the state’s oil and gas rights and revenue sharing. She stated that Petronas remains committed to progressively and structurally strengthening Sabah’s participation based on the principles of technical feasibility and sustainable commercial terms. “This comprehensive development reflects the increased participation and commercial benefits enjoyed by Sabah in the national oil and gas industry, in line with the cooperation framework agreed upon through the CCA,” she added. – Bernama Media association unveils member welfare initiatives SIBU: The Sibu Journalists Association (SJA) has announced two new welfare initiatives for its members, namely a RM250 gadget voucher and RM200 aid for purchasing flight tickets, as a token of appreciation for the contributions of media employees. Its deputy chairman Mohamad Alhadi Shamsawi said a RM250 PC Image gadget voucher would be given next year to all SJA members to help them obtain new equipment for daily assignments, such as earphones, power banks and other gadgets. “This initiative was introduced because many journalists have to spend their own money to upgrade their gadgets for work.” He said the RM200 contribution would serve as additional financial assistance for SJA members who purchase flight tickets under the Communications Ministry’s initiative, in collaboration with AirAsia, which offers a 50% discount on flights to Asean destinations. Alhadi also announced a RM100 ang pow for members whose birthdays fall between July and December this year, following a similar distribution for members born between January and June during the recent Gawai celebration. In addition, SJA introduced the Tokoh Wartawan SJA Award, which comes with a trophy and RM1,500 cash prize, as a tribute to an experienced journalist who has made significant contributions to the media industry. The recipient of the award was former Bernama Sibu district correspondent and industry veteran Edward Subeng Stephen. Alhadi said these initiatives are part of SJA’s efforts to ensure member welfare is always protected. – Bernama

o Negative patterns at home could influence how students treat peers: Education expert

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Bullying in Malaysian schools is once again under the spotlight after a string of high-profile cases, with some ending in serious injury and even death. A former perpetrator told theSun that his past actions stemmed largely from peer pressure and a failure to grasp the harm caused. The ex-bully, who asked to be known only as Abu, admitted that he joined in bullying more than a decade ago. The 25-year-old engineering diploma graduate, now working as a cook in Kota Bharu, said his first brush with bullying came at the age of 10, when he and classmates singled out a boy branded as “soft” for often befriending girls. “We hid his belongings, tore his books; petty things, but still wrong. We did it so often that he burst into tears, which got his parents and teachers involved,” recalled Abu. His behaviour stopped in early secondary school after he and several friends were reported to the discipline teacher. Reflecting on his actions, Abu said peer influence was the main driver. “Since everyone was harassing the boy, I joined in just to blend in. Looking back, I truly regret it. If I could, I would meet him to apologise. Even if he wanted to retaliate, I would accept it as part of taking ownership of my wrongdoing,” he said. He urged today’s students to think about the damage they could cause. “It is not just a joke or a phase. What you do could scar someone for life. Put yourself in their shoes. Would you want to be treated that way?” In light of rising cases of bullying in schools, theSun spoke to education experts about PETALING JAYA: Upgrading ageing highways, such as the Gerik–Jeli route, has long been a core priority in the Works Ministry’s annual budget requests, not just an idea “under consideration” for Budget 2026, said Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said the ministry identified the urgent need to refurbish and enhance older highways and federal roads years ago. “It is no longer a matter of ‘considering’. This has been one of our main funding priorities year after year. “We have done the studies and we know we need far more than what we usually receive,” he told reporters after chairing the ministry’s Budget 2026 dialogue session with industry players yesterday. He also said road upgrades, from critical highways to rural links, remain central to improving safety, boosting economic activity and strengthening infrastructure against weather damage. He stressed that while current funds are channelled towards maintenance and repairs, they still fall short of actual nationwide needs. Nanta said road safety upgrades are about Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Anuar noted that counselling, consistent guidance and moral reinforcement could work if applied daily by teachers, wardens and principals. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

more than adding capacity, with improved features such as better signage, lighting, barriers and drainage also being essential. He added that the ministry would work with relevant agencies to ensure infrastructure meets current and future requirements. He said the ministry is aware of the rising cost of construction materials and would review how far it could help the industry. “But the final decision lies with the Finance Ministry. Our role is to present the industry’s concerns to them,” he said, adding that any cost adjustments must not compromise quality, safety or delivery timelines. In his opening speech, he said the ministry’s budget proposals follow a “floor and ceiling” approach, guaranteeing a minimum level of essential infrastructure while identifying areas for higher performance standards. Key recommendations for Budget 2026 include maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure, offering differentiated incentives, and adopting sustainable construction technologies and green practices. Another priority is the empowerment and capacity building of local contractors, including women contractors. Nanta said stakeholder engagement is central to the process, with the dialogue aimed whether current disciplinary methods are working and what changes are needed. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia education expert Dr Anuar Ahmad said bullying should be treated as a behavioural issue shaped over time, often by family environment. Students raised in respectful households are less likely to be aggressive whereas negative patterns at home could influence how they treat peers at school, he said. He noted that the “soft approach”, such as counselling, consistent guidance and moral reinforcement, could work if applied daily by teachers, wardens and principals. “When soft measures fail, the education system does allow more serious disciplinary action, including regulated physical punishment within guidelines,” he said, cautioning that such punishment should remain a last resort to avoid resentment or disengagement. “We need to build a positive school culture in which students feel valued and respected. Those with a sense of belonging are far less

at gathering industry input on issues such as material costs, project timelines, safety standards and sustainability. Feedback from these engagements would be incorporated into the ministry’s submission to the Finance Ministry, alongside technical assessments and strategic plans. He is scheduled to meet Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan on next Friday to discuss the ministry’s proposals. He stressed the importance of maintaining public trust in government projects through transparency, accountability and value for money. “The public must see that every ringgit spent brings tangible benefits, whether in smoother journeys, safer roads or better facilities,” he said. The dialogue brought together more than 200 representatives from ministry departments, state public works agencies, contractors, consultants and industry associations to exchange views on challenges and opportunities in Malaysia’s construction sector. He said such engagement helps align budget priorities with real-world needs and market realities, especially amid economic shifts, fluctuating material costs and climate-related challenges affecting infrastructure durability. “We need to hear from those on the ground and this dialogue is part of that commitment.” likely to bully others.” Universiti Teknologi Malaysia education policy expert Dr Roslizam Hassan shared similar views, preferring to call the preventive method a hikmah or wise approach, involving ongoing awareness programmes on respect, compassion and the consequences of bullying. He stressed that prevention works best before incidents occur. “Once bullying happens, schools and authorities must investigate thoroughly and take firm action, including referring criminal cases to police. “Parents should instil respect and empathy at home from an early age, and teach children to accept differences among peers to reduce prejudice and verbal harassment that could escalate into physical bullying,” he said. Both experts agreed that rehabilitation is possible in non-severe cases through targeted counselling, structured school programmes and community activities that foster empathy and social responsibility.

Ministry prioritises upgrading ageing highways