Combat Sports Can Help Solve School Bullying Cases Says Yeoh

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 Youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh says students can learn discipline through combat sports, which are governed by rules.
Youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh with young participants at the national combat sports championship at Bukit Jalil yesterday. (Bernama pic)KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh has proposed that a special dialogue be held among her ministry, the education ministry and the National Combat Sports Federation to find a solution to the issue of bullying among students
Yeoh said punitive action, such as suspension alone, is insufficient. Instead, students should be given proper guidance and opportunities to channel their energy positively through structured activities, such as combat sports.
She said a dialogue would allow the three parties to explore better ways to address school bullying cases, especially those involving suspension.
“We must not give up on these children. We can guide them and help channel their energy into sports. Combat sports are governed by rules, and through them, students can learn discipline.
“Bullying and acts of violence against fellow students are unacceptable, and we must help them understand that,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the 2025 national combat sports championship yesterday.
Yeoh said combat sports not only build physical strength but also form discipline among young people to train them to control their emotions and actions.
She said sports serve as a powerful platform to help students discover their potential, especially those who are still exploring their interests and talents.
“By watching sporting events, a sense of curiosity and interest is sparked. That desire to try is crucial – if they don’t try, they’ll never know whether they have talent,” she said.
With the right guidance starting from school, she said, every student has the potential to shape a successful future and ultimately become a valuable asset to the nation’s development. - FMT

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