KOTA KINABALU – Several teenagers will now have to answer to police over a fracas inside a school here recently.
According to Kota Kinabalu police chief Mohd Zaidi Abdullah, two police reports of a fight inside a secondary school have been received.
A video recording of the incident has gone viral on various social media platforms, including over WhatsApp chat groups.
“Two investigation papers have been opened under Section 323 of the Penal Code, an offence that carries a maximum jail term of up to one year or a fine of up to RM2,000, or both if convicted,” said Zaidi.
He added that police will not compromise on any misconduct or crime involving students in cases that could cause injuries.
The 24-second video clip of the purported brawl went viral starting yesterday, triggering outrage among social media users in various groups as they demanded the authorities to step in.
The incident allegedly took place at a renowned secondary school located in Tg Aru here.
Earlier reports by local media outlets who were following up with police over the incident caused disappointment among netizens as the authorities had then said that they could not take action as a report was not lodged.
Commenting on the matter, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said it will be handled between the Sabah Education Department and the school.
She expressed disappointment that the video had gone public, adding that teachers and other authority figures must refrain from posting or circulating online videos of altercations between students within school compounds.
She cautioned that such videos will have long-term effects on the children involved. She added that the children’s right to identity protection has been breached as their faces can clearly be seen. – The Vibes, January 19, 2023
