Sabah teacher detained for allegedly beating religious school students with helmet in viral footage
AUTHORITIES in Sabah have taken into custody a man suspected of physically assaulting multiple students after video evidence circulated widely online.
The footage, which has sparked public outrage, depicts several young victims being repeatedly struck on their heads with what appears to be a helmet. The individuals are also shown being kicked and subjected to other forms of physical violence. Throughout the ordeal, the children remained passive and did not resist.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the incident took place late Sunday night, approximately 11.55pm on (Sunday) December 14, at a commercial location in Kota Kinabalu. The victims are students attending an Islamic religious institution in the area.
A formal complaint has been filed with police regarding the assault. Investigators are pursuing charges under two separate legal provisions: Section 324 of the Penal Code, which addresses intentional injury inflicted with a weapon, and Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, concerning abuse of minors. If convicted, the accused could face imprisonment for up to two decades, financial penalties, or a combination of both sanctions.
According to several reports, the apprehension of the suspect, a man in his thirties, proved challenging when officers arrived at a residence in Telipok on Monday evening around 6.45pm
Four relatives of the accused actively interfered with the police operation, according to Kota Kinabalu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Kasim Muda. The family members physically obstructed the police vehicle and created a hostile environment.
“Our preliminary findings indicate that several people behaved aggressively by preventing our vehicle from moving and directing profane language at officers,” Kasim stated in an official press release.
The interference escalated when the men attempted to force open the doors of the police vehicle while simultaneously striking and kicking it, significantly hampering the officers’ ability to complete their mission.
Faced with this obstruction, law enforcement personnel took decisive measures to ensure both their safety and the successful completion of the arrest operation.
The four men, ranging in age from 30 to 50 years old and believed to be related to the primary suspect, were subsequently arrested. They now face investigation under Section 186 of the Penal Code for interfering with public officials performing their lawful duties.
Authorities plan to apply for remand orders for all individuals in custody and will conduct drug screenings as part of standard procedure.
Kasim issued a public appeal for citizens to maintain composure when law enforcement actions are underway and to avoid emotional reactions that could compromise public safety.
He emphasised that grievances should be addressed through established legal procedures rather than through confrontational behavior. The police chief pledged that all investigations would be handled with professionalism, transparency, and strict adherence to legal protocols to safeguard everyone’s rights.
During the confrontation, officers confiscated a golf club iron that is suspected to have been wielded during the incident.
