The government has begun drafting legislation to formally criminalise bullying, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, the President said work is underway to introduce a dedicated Anti-Bullying Act that will establish bullying as a specific legal offence.
He noted that bullying remains a significant issue in the Maldives, reflecting challenges seen in many countries.
The President said the proposed law will build on existing provisions introduced through amendments to the Penal Code in 2024, which addressed cyberbullying and online harassment, by creating a more comprehensive legal framework.
He added that the legislation will include both preventive and punitive measures aimed at strengthening action against offenders while reducing incidents.
“To further prevent this, to implement various preventive measures, and to strengthen the actions taken against those who commit such acts, the government has begun work on introducing a special Anti-Bullying Act,” he said.
According to the President, the Attorney General’s Office is leading the drafting process in consultation with technical experts. The bill is expected to be submitted to the Parliament once consultations are completed.
He said the proposed legislation will clearly define acts of bullying and specify where the law will apply, including in schools, educational institutions and workplaces.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen legal protections and address rising concerns over bullying in different sectors of society.