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Kota Kinabalu: Children today face rapidly evolving risks, including online safety threats, cyberbullying, digital exploitation and mental health challenges, requiring constant vigilance and adaptive responses, said Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Vice-Chairperson Datuk Mariati Robert (pic).

“The newly established Anti-Bullying Tribunal is an important milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen protection mechanisms for children and young people,” she said in her closing remarks at the Child Safeguarding Conference Sabah 2026, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre, recently.

The Anti-Bullying Tribunal was officially established on June 16, 2026, as a quasi-judicial body under the Anti-Bully Act 2026 to provide a faster, child-friendly avenue for resolving bullying disputes involving individuals aged 18 and below.

“This reflects a growing commitment to ensuring that bullying is addressed seriously, that victims have access to appropriate remedies and that accountability remains at the centre of our response.

“Yet no tribunal, policy or institution can succeed in isolation. The responsibility to create safe environments ultimately belongs to all of us,” Mariati said.

She said that responsibility rests with parents who nurture and guide, educators who inspire and protect, community leaders who advocate and respond, organisations that uphold safeguarding standards, and every individual who chooses not to remain silent when a child is at risk.

“Child safeguarding is not just a programme, a policy or a legal obligation; it is a reflection of who we are as a society and of the values we choose to uphold.

“When a child feels safe, respected and supported, they are able to learn, grow and realise their full potential. But when a child experiences violence, neglect, exploitation or abuse, the impact can be profound and long-lasting,” she said.

Mariati said the conference, themed “Building Communities That Protect”, featured three dialogue sessions examining the legal, institutional and community dimensions of child protection.

“We were reminded that laws are essential instruments for safeguarding children’s rights, but their true effectiveness depends on implementation, accountability and access to justice for every child,” she said of the first session.

On the second session, she said discussions highlighted the importance of embedding safeguarding principles into organisational culture so that child protection is treated not as an afterthought but as a core responsibility.

The third session reinforced a simple but powerful message: communities are often the first line of protection for children, and every member of society has a role in recognising risks, responding appropriately and creating environments where children feel safe and supported.

“Strong laws alone are not enough. Effective institutions alone are not enough. Community awareness alone is not enough,” she said, adding that lasting protection can only be achieved when all these elements work together in a coordinated and child-centred manner.

Mariati said the discussions were timely as Malaysia moves forward with the National Action Plan on Child Policy 2026-2030, led by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

“The Action Plan provides an important framework for strengthening the protection, development, wellbeing and participation of children across the country,” she said, adding that its success would depend not only on government leadership but also on the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

She stressed that children must be recognised not only as beneficiaries of protection but also as active participants in shaping the systems that affect their lives.

“Too often, discussions about children take place without children’s voices being included. If we aspire to build communities that truly protect, we must also build communities that listen,” she said.

Mariati also stressed that safeguarding efforts must extend to children with disabilities, stateless and undocumented children, and Indigenous children, who too often remain on the margins of society.

“Building communities that protect requires us to ensure that no child is left behind and that every child can grow up in safety, dignity and with equal opportunities to realise their full potential,” she said.

Addressing the young participants, Mariati expressed appreciation for their contributions.

“Thank you for your courage, honesty and willingness to speak up. Your voices matter, and they must continue to be heard not only at conferences such as this, but also in the decisions, policies and actions that shape your future,” she said.

She added that Suhakam remains committed to working with the government, civil society organisations and communities to promote and protect children’s rights.