GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Women's Development Corporation (PWDC) together with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the state Education Department (JPNPP) will be organising a leisure walk in conjunction with the Penang Government's annual campaign, Penang Goes Orange 2023, at Padang Kota Lama here on Nov 25.
PWDC chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng said the event — Walk Together: Stop Bullying —is aimed at raising public awareness about the issue of bullying.
"We often hear cases related to bullying, especially involving children at schools.
"Schools should be a safe place for our children, but it is sad when cases of bullying can happen," she said, urging all parties to work together to stop bullying from spreading.
As such, Ong said, PWDC took an approach by focusing on the issue of bullying in conjunction with the 10th anniversary celebration of the Penang Goes Orange campaign this year.
"This is because the act of bullying can affect the mental health of the victims of bullying for life, they will live in fear and this (situation) is very dangerous," she added.
As the saying goes, "as sharp as a knife, the human tongue is sharper," Ong said that bullying behaviour could result in severe mental disorders and, if left unchecked, could lead to unfavourable community conditions.
She stressed that this cycle of bullying behavior should be stopped at the school level, whether through words or actions.
"PWDC, together with the state Education Department and the Royal Malaysian Police will hold a series of campaigns in schools and we are targeting secondary school students.
"We will also continue to work with various parties including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to continue to raise public awareness about this bullying issue.
"Indeed, we have been playing a role in spreading and increasing public awareness regarding social issues for a long time," she said.
Among the activities to be held on Nov 25 include the "16 Days of Activism".
"Every year, Nov 25 is known as the Day to End Violence Against Women, which is celebrated around the world.
"So from Nov 25 until Dec 10, of which Dec 10 is World Human Rights Day, PWDC will hold various public awareness programmes.
"(And) this year, in collaboration with the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation, PWDC will hold the Walk Together : Stop Bullying event to cultivate good character," she noted.
Those interested in participating can scan the QR code found on the relevant promotional poster or visit the Penang Women's Development Corporation - PWDC Facebook.