Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid said the ministry would get feedback from the public on the plan and if everyone agreed, it would probably be enforced from January next year.

“This is a plan at the ministry’s level and I think it is time that strict action is taken so that bullying cases in school are put to a stop. I am of the opinion that bullying in schools is getting serious and we need to counter it immediately and suspension is the best step,” he said.

Mahdzir said examination year students who were suspended would have to sit the examination the following year.

“Within the suspension period, the students concerned will be asked to do charity work or be sent to rehabilitation centres in order for them to re-enter school,” he said.

However, he said the ministry had no plans to expel the troubled students as it would affect their future.