Malaysia's new Anti-Bullying Act 2026 will hold parents legally accountable for bullying misconduct committed by their children. The legislation introduces a system of shared family responsibility that extends beyond the individual offender, with family members now bound by penalties and financial obligations arising from such cases.

Datak Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), outlined the reform during the launch of the Anti-Bullying Tribunal headquarters at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) in Kuala Lumpur on June 16. She explained that this approach fundamentally differs from most criminal statutes, which typically target only the perpetrator. By incorporating parental responsibility, the Act ensures families share accountability and may be bound jointly for fine payments and related sanctions.

The establishment of the Anti-Bullying Tribunal reflects mounting concern over bullying cases and their grave repercussions, including fatalities. The tribunal has recruited 56 members comprising legal professionals and child development specialists to adjudicate referred cases. Operating from the AIAC, the tribunal will conduct proceedings across the nation through six physical and virtual hearing zones utilising facilities under the Legal Affairs Division, the Insolvency Department, the Legal Aid Bureau, and vacant courtrooms.

The tribunal's jurisdiction extends to incidents occurring outside school and hostel settings, allowing victims to lodge complaints directly without requiring institutional involvement. An online public portal now enables complainants to register cases remotely, broadening access to the dispute resolution mechanism. Azalina stressed that the tribunal aims to educate young people about the gravity of bullying and encourage them to view such behaviour as a serious matter warranting legal intervention.