She said the request was submitted via an online survey created by the ministry.

“They have asked that (the tribunal be made) child-friendly so that the victims are not subjected to too much questioning, putting them under stress.

“They have also asked that a (tribunal) hotline be set up so the tribunal can pick up (complaints),” she said on the sidelines of a town hall on the bill organised at SJKC Aik Hua here.

Azalina said there had also been requests for punishments to be remedial and restorative rather than punitive in nature, with suggestions such as community service, fines and counselling.

She said the public had also asked that the definition of bullying be made broad and comprehensive, and apply to all age groups instead of just those under 18 years old.

“They want this tribunal not to be merely cosmetic or symbolic but bold, quick and effective so that it sends the message that our country will not tolerate bullying,” she said.

Azalina said the legal affairs division of the prime minister’s department would hold town halls on the bill next month with both primary and secondary schoolchildren, followed by university students.

Azalina previously said that the government expects to table the bill in Parliament next month, after completing stakeholder engagements by this month and presenting the final proposal to the Cabinet.