Two 13-year-old boys accused of bullying female classmate at Padawan school. Police investigating case.
KUCHING: Sarawak authorities have confirmed another case of student bullying, involving two 13-year-old male students who allegedly physically assaulted and threatened to sexually abuse a female classmate at a secondary school in Padawan district.
Both the State Education Department and Padawan District Police have acknowledged receiving reports about the incident.
Milton Foo, public complaints bureau chief of Sarawak United Peoples Party, verified that the victim’s parents filed reports on Oct 22. According to Foo, the girl endured repeated physical harassment and threats from her two male classmates.
“While the school has imposed disciplinary measures on the perpetrators, the victim remains concerned about her safety,” Foo stated during a media briefing.
State Education Department director Omar Mahli confirmed an official investigation is in progress and pledged that severe penalties will be imposed if warranted.
Padawan district police chief Supt Mohd Irwan Hafiz verified that the victim’s family has submitted a police report and that authorities are currently conducting their investigation.
This incident emerges as the National Consumer Action Council recently announced its commitment to combating youth bullying, designating it as a priority issue.
At a dialogue titled “unity in fight against bullying” held at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Campus in Sibu, Council national vice-president Kevin Lo explained the organization’s expanded mandate.
“While consumer protection regarding goods and services remains our core mission, we recognize the need to broaden our scope to address the escalating bullying crisis affecting students and young people,” Lo said.
“What previously constituted mere misconduct and poor discipline has now evolved into violent criminal behavior. Our ground teams will contribute through education and awareness initiatives in schools and communities,” he added.
UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Hamid emphasized that bullying extends beyond schools, affecting colleges, universities, and workplaces. He advocated for stringent anti-bullying legislation.
The incident has reignited debates about disciplinary measures in schools. Last week, Sarawak political leaders proposed reinstating stricter punishments for violent student offenses, including corporal punishment administered by school authorities.
State Deputy Minister for Community Wellbeing and Family Development Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam advocated for reverting to the more stringent disciplinary practices of the 1970s through 1990s.
“Student violence is deteriorating. Current disciplinary approaches have proven ineffective,” Razi stated in a press release.
“The increase in physical bullying and abuse cases, now reaching criminal levels, correlates with lenient disciplinary policies. We should restore the authority of principals and teachers to administer public caning for violent infractions,” he argued.
Razi recalled his own schooling experience, when he received caning from both his teacher and parents for misconduct. He noted that under current regulations, educators face potential penalties for such disciplinary actions.
