Negri too, supports National Kindness Week

SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan state government has joined Perak and Melaka in supporting the National Kindness Week early next month to check bullying in schools.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said bullying in schools had reached serious levels, and commended the organisers behind the awareness campaign.

“We need such campaigns because bullying can lead to worse things. The perpetrator, if not disciplined now, can go on to lead a life of violence, gangsterism and even become a social problem while the victim can be scarred emotionally for life,” he said.

Mohamad said bullying was also prevalent during his school days but it was not as serious as it is now.

“These days we even have cyberbullying and we have seen how in some countries where victims, including children, have taken their own lives.

“We all have a role to play to check this in our schools, and Parent Teacher Associations have to help the authorities address the problem,” he said.

Mohamad also urged schools in the state to observe the first week of April as a week to promote kindness.

“Schools shouldn’t take such matters lightly, and think that such problems don’t happen in their backyard.

“All of them should pool their resources and see how best they can check bullying. A good start will be to support this campaign,” he said.

The National Kindness Week was mooted by R.AGE and property developer SP Setia as part of their #StandTogether campaign, which aims to end bullying in schools by creating a culture of kindness.

Schools are encouraged to take part in the National Kindness Week by registering themselves at www. standtogether. my/ register, and downloading the free Kindness Week programme.

The programme was developed by the #StandTogether Committee, which includes volunteers from R.AGE, SP Setia, Unicef Malaysia, Digi, Teach For Malaysia, 100% Project, and Study Hub Asia, as well as psychologist Dr Goh Chee Leong from HELP University.

Over 150 schools across the country have signed up to implement the programme during the school week of April 2 to 6.

To participate in the #StandTogether National Kindness Week, go to www.standtogether.my, or e-mail alltherage@thestar.com. my.