KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 14 -- Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad has cautioned schools against concealing cases of bullying and sexual misconduct, stressing that such behaviour should be regarded as criminal offences rather than disciplinary matters.

According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), Mohd Azam said all incidents must be reported regardless of frequency, noting that acts of bullying, sexual harassment and other misconduct were criminal in nature.

He also criticised those who attempted to hide such cases 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 wait...