NIBONG TEBAL, May 27 — The "Anak yang Baik Lagi Cerdik” or children who are good and smart (ABC) idea, is one of the initiatives introduced by the Ministry of Education (MoE) to ensure that good values become the primary thrusts in developing school students’ character.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said this was following the ministry’s concern over bullying and social problems among students.

"I admit that we have concerns about bullying and social issues among our students, but I believe that it is never too late to take action to ensure that these children become disciplined students,” she told reporters today.

The Nibong Tebal MP told reporters after officiating the Seberang Perai Selatan district-level Kita Madani Carnival in Sungai Duri, here, which was also attended by Penang Education director Sabri Said.

She said this in response to a newspaper article published today which stated that 33 per cent of teenagers had engaged in sexual activities before the age of 14 as reported by the Health Ministry.

Fadhlina said character development among students also requires support from the entire community ecosystem including parents who should support and encourage their children to become better human beings.

Meanwhile, she stressed that the MoE will not compromise on bullying involving school students and will leave it to the authorities to carry out investigations and take further action. — Bernama