Azam said every case must be reported, no matter how often such incidents occurred, adding that bullying, sexual harassment and other negative acts were considered criminal cases.

“Even if every day we hear reports of bullying or sexual misconduct, the reporting is exactly what needs to happen.

“Only with such attention can we plan strategies, initiatives and cooperation to take shared responsibility in correcting the problem,” he said in his speech at an anti-bullying campaign organised by the police.

Azam’s remarks come amid public outrage over a gang rape case involving Form 5 students in Alor Gajah, Melaka, over the weekend and the fatal stabbing of a Form 3 student at a school in Bandar Utama earlier today.

He further criticised those who concealed such incidents to protect their school’s image.

“If we hide everything under the carpet, it will seem as though everything is fine, but in reality, we know these problems exist. They are like a thorn in the flesh or an atomic bomb just waiting to explode,” he said.

Azam said he had mixed feelings about the recent surge in reported cases of misconduct in schools.

“In the three months I have been director-general, I have gathered much data about these issues. But in another sense, I am glad because everything that was once hidden under the carpet is now coming out,” he said.

He said the increased reporting had drawn greater public attention and allowed the ministry to recognise the need for stronger initiatives to guide students.

“From this awareness, we realise that we must act to nurture, to guide, and to take responsibility together for our children’s future,” he said.