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SHAH ALAM – A 16-year-old student is being investigated after a female teacher was injured in an incident at an international school in Kuching, Sarawak, on Oct 21. Videos purportedly showing the incident have since circulated widely on social media.
The incident prompted a police investigation, a review of school security measures and an offer of psychosocial support from the Sarawak State Education Department.
Here is what we know so far.
What happened at the school?
The incident occurred at about 8am on Wednesday (Oct 21) at an international school in Kuching.
Sarawak acting police commissioner Datuk Saifullizan Ishak said police received an emergency call through the MERS 999 line at 8.03am about a male Form Four student who had allegedly brought firecrackers to school and injured a female teacher.
The teacher reportedly injured her hand and was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment.
The school said it immediately activated its emergency response procedures, notified the police and ambulance services, and evacuated students from the affected classroom. No other injuries were reported.
What weapons or items were involved?
Police said a penknife and a small axe were found in connection with the incident. The case is also being investigated under Section 6(1) of the Explosives Act 1957.
Earlier reports gave differing descriptions of the sharp object allegedly used during the incident. The circumstances surrounding the items recovered and their connection to the incident remain under investigation.
Has the student been arrested or released?
Police confirmed that the 16-year-old student was arrested following the incident.
Saifullizan later said the student had been released on police bail. The investigation remains ongoing, and the release does not mean the case has been closed.
The school separately confirmed that the student involved was no longer an active student at the institution.
What are the police investigating?
Police are investigating the case under Section 324 of the Penal Code, which concerns voluntarily causing hurt by using a weapon or other dangerous means, and Section 6(1) of the Explosives Act 1957.
Saifullizan said police were conducting a detailed investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather relevant evidence.
The motive behind the alleged attack has not been officially established. Police have urged the public not to speculate or circulate unverified information while investigations continue.
What do the viral videos show?
Videos purportedly showing the incident have circulated widely on social media. Media reports have described footage believed to have been recorded by the student, as well as classroom CCTV footage that appears to show the student approaching the teacher with a sharp object.
Some social media users have claimed that the incident was livestreamed. However, these claims, including those about how the footage was recorded and its purpose, should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed by the authorities.
The circulation of footage involving the teacher and students has also raised concerns about the privacy of those involved.
What has the school done following the incident?
Tunku Putra-HELP said it had reviewed its safety protocols and strengthened security measures in consultation with the relevant authorities.
The school said three auxiliary police personnel would be stationed on campus and safety checks would be conducted at entry points. It is also reviewing longer-term security arrangements.
Classes were dismissed early on Oct 21 as a precaution, following police advice. The school had announced plans to resume operations on Oct 22, subject to clearance from the relevant authorities.
The school also said its senior leadership team would hold student assemblies to address concerns arising from the incident and provide counselling support to those who need it.
Will students and teachers receive support?
The Sarawak State Education Department said it had contacted the school and was ready to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers and staff affected by the incident.
The department also urged the public not to speculate, spread unverified information or share material that could compromise the privacy and welfare of those involved.
The school said the teacher was recovering well and had not sustained critical injuries.
What happens next?
Police investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the incident, including the events leading up to it and the evidence gathered.
Authorities have not publicly established the motive behind the alleged attack. Further updates are expected from police as the investigation progresses.
Members of the public are advised to rely on official statements and verified reporting rather than speculation circulating online.
