He said the punishment was agreed upon after it was decided yesterday that the state education department, district education office and schools’ management could handle bullying case in schools.

“After a disciplinary committee has conducted its investigation and there is evidence of wrongdoing, the gang leader will face a six-month suspension while his accomplice will be suspended for two months.”

He said this to reporters after a ‘Dialogue with the Minister of Education’ session at Aimst University, here, which was attended by about 1,700 teachers from all over Kedah.

Mahdzir was commenting on a Form 1 student of a school in the capital city, who sustained a head injury after he was allegedly bullied by two senior students.

He said during the suspension period, the offender would have to undergo a few weeks of rehabilitation such as at the Henry Gurney School, at the discretion of the disciplinary committee.

However, he said, the disciplinary committee would be fair and will conduct a thorough investigation before making any decision.

“They (committee) are only responsible for cases involving bullying incidents in schools. For criminal cases, we will leave these to the police to investigate,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mahdzir admitted that schools in Kota Samarahan in Sarawak; Kota Kemuning in Selangor; and Sungai Petani in Kedah were lacking in new economic growth areas.

“The ministry is looking into this matter and we are aware that a shortage of schools has resulted in some having to accommodate 3,000 students,” he said.

The dialogue is among the many activities organised by the Education Ministry under its nationwide roadshow to highlight to the public, the ministry’s key policies through exhibitions and education advisory services.