KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 -- Ministry of Health (MOH) said that the use of hurtful language is among the forms of workplace bullying to be addressed in its new guidelines, set to be launched this October.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad was quoted saying that the Guidelines for Managing Bullying, which apply to government clinics and hospitals, define verbal bullying to include insults, threats, mockery and humiliation.

"The guidelines specify that the use of hurtful, insulting, threatening, mocking or humiliating language towards an individual constitutes verbal bullying in the workplace," he was quoted saying by Berita Harian.

"While specific words are not listed, any use of offensive language - particularly if repeated - can ...