Malaysia's Anti-Bully Act 2026: How the New Anti-Bullying Tribunal Works

KES COMPANY

7 days ago

4 min read

In brief: Malaysia's Anti-bully Act 2026 (Act 876) came fully into operation on 16 June 2026, the day the Tribunal for Anti-bully was launched. The tribunal hears bullying complaints involving children and students and can award compensation of up to RM250,000. It offers families a child-friendly alternative to the courts, with rules that parents and schools should understand.

This article is general information about Malaysian law on bullying for parents, students and schools.

What is the Anti-bully Act 2026?

The Act received Royal Assent on 13 January 2026 and came into force in two stages: the definitions and provisions establishing the tribunal on 1 March 2026, and everything else, including the complaints process, on 16 June 2026.

The Act defines bullying as any wilful act directed at a victim, whether repeated or a single severe incident, that causes physical, psychological or social harm. It expressly includes abusive or threatening language, social isolation, damaging someone's reputation, humiliation or discrimination based on sex, race, religion or disability, and the same conduct online.

A "victim" covers any child under 18, a student of any age at a covered educational institution, and a child held or protected in an institution under the Child Act 2001, such as an approved school.

Covered institutions, including government, government-aided and private schools, Maktab Rendah Sains MARA and the Royal Military College, must set up an anti-bullying committee, provide a confidential reporting channel and offer counselling support.

When can a family go to the tribunal?

If the bullying happened while the victim was under a school's or institution's supervision, the complaint must first go to that institution's committee. The tribunal can then hear it if the committee took no action or did not deal with it properly, or if the committee refers it with consent. If the bullying happened outside school supervision, or the child is not in any covered institution, a parent or guardian can go directly to the tribunal.

The tribunal only deals with bullying that occurred after the Act came into operation, and the normal limitation periods apply.

What can the tribunal order?

Hearings are closed to the public and informal, and the tribunal must give priority to mediation where both sides consent and it is safe. Complaints are decided on the balance of probabilities, and the award should be made, where practicable, within 60 days of the hearing starting.

The tribunal can order the respondent to apologise, remove bullying content from social media or devices, attend a programme, reimburse reasonable expenses, or pay compensation of up to RM250,000. Where the respondent is a child, payment orders are made against the parent or guardian, who may also be ordered to attend parenting or counselling sessions.

Awards are final, binding and enforceable as court orders. Failing to comply within 30 days is a criminal offence; where compensation was ordered, the fine is twice the amount, or imprisonment of up to two years, or both, and in other cases a fine of up to RM10,000, up to two years' imprisonment, or both. An award can be challenged in the High Court only on the ground of serious irregularity.

What has happened so far?

The tribunal is chaired by a Sessions Court judge and launched with 56 members. In September 2026, Law and Institutional Reform Minister Azalina Othman Said said it had received 55 complaints since June. A complaint does not prevent a police report, and publishing anything that could identify a child in the proceedings is an offence carrying a fine of up to RM50,000, up to two years' imprisonment, or both.

Frequently asked questions

Can I complain to the Anti-Bullying Tribunal if my child is bullied at school?

Usually you must first complain to the school's anti-bullying committee. You can go to the tribunal if the committee takes no action or handles the complaint improperly, or if it refers the case with your consent.

How much compensation can the Anti-Bullying Tribunal award in Malaysia?

Up to RM250,000 for loss or damage, plus reasonable expenses. If the bully is a child, the order is made against the parent or guardian.

Do I need a lawyer for the Anti-Bullying Tribunal?

Generally, no. Lawyers may not appear unless the tribunal decides the case involves complex legal issues, and if one side is allowed a lawyer, the other side is too. A child may be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Sources and further reading

Last updated: 24 October 2026.

This article is published by Khaw Ewe Seng & Co., Advocates & Solicitors (Penang) for general information about Malaysian law. It is not legal advice, and it does not create a solicitor–client relationship. For advice on a specific matter, please consult a qualified lawyer.