Lions Clubs launch anti-bullying campaign in eight primary schools

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 18): Five Lions Clubs have joined forces to launch an anti-bullying campaign aimed at promoting kindness and respect among primary school pupils in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang.

The campaign, themed ‘Be A Buddy, Not A Bully’, featured a video clip competition for Year Four to Six students from eight schools: SJK(C) Yue Min Penampang, SK Bahang Penampang, SK Kepayan, SK Luyang, SK Penampang, SK St Aloysius Limbanak, SK Jawi Jawi Kota Belud, and SJK(C) St James.

The programme also included talks by psychologist from Luyang Health Clinic, Lui Pei Yee, Sergeant Noorazmee of the Penampang District Police, and Lions International GLT District Coordinator lawyer Alex Woo.

The event was graced by Lions International District 308-A2 District Governor, Dato Winnie Lee, who attended as Guest of Honor.

Zone 15 Chairperson Cum Project Coordinator Renus Lim Poh Choo said the campaign was designed to empower children to make positive choices.

She said, “This campaign is about giving children a voice to choose kindness and respect that lasts a lifetime.”

The initiative was coordinated by chairpersons from the five participating Lions Clubs.

President Datuk Kenneth Boon of the Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu Metro oversaw SK Bahang Penampang and SK Jawi Jawi Kota Belud.

President Doreen Jominol of the Lions Club of Penampang Hongkod coordinated SK Penampang and SK St Aloysius Limbanak, also serving as Project Treasurer.

Elaine Teo, Project Assistant Secretary of the Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu City, managed SJK(C) Yue Min Penampang and SJK(C) St James, and acted as Master of Ceremonies.

Alvin Louis of the Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu Central coordinated SK Luyang and SK Kepayan.

Other committee members included Zone 16 Chairperson Jason Hing of Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, who served as Second MC, Lion Shirley Kwan of Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu City as Project Secretary, and DC Drug Awareness Jackson Tseu of Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu Central as Project Assistant Treasurer.

Organizing Chairperson Lion Elaine Teo noted, “The students’ videos showed how important it is to stand up against bullying and support one another.”

Lim added, “Bullying can hurt and break confidence. Each of you can help stop it. Remember our theme: Be a buddy, not a bully. A buddy is friendly, helpful, and kind. Let us continue to be kind and create a safe and happy school.”

The campaign concluded with an award ceremony at SJK(C) Yue Min Penampang on 11 December 2025, where seven prizes totaling RM12,000 were presented.

SJK(C) St James emerged as champion with RM2,000, SJK(C) Yue Min Penampang was first runner-up with RM1,500, and SK St Aloysius Limbanak took second runner-up with RM1,000.

Special awards of RM500 each went to SK Kepayan for Best Content, Best Editing & Creativity, and Best Audience, while SK St Aloysius Limbanak received Best Costume.

Consolation hampers were presented to SK Bahang Penampang, SK Jawi Jawi Kota Belud, SK Luyang, and SK Penampang.

Former Kapayan Assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang contributed towards the initiative.

The campaign highlighted the power of creative expression, teamwork, and kindness in making schools safer while inspiring students to stand against bullying.