FIVE students from SMK Za’aba, Kuala Pilah, claimed they were bullied by the first suspect detained following the death of a Form Two male student at the school's hostel last Friday.
Negeri Sembilan Police Chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said, however, that based on initial accounts from the family, the victim—14-year-old Muhammad Idlan Fareeq Shahril—had never mentioned being bullied at school.
“Five students revealed that they had been bullied by the first suspect (B1).
“So far, statements have been recorded from 69 witnesses to assist in the investigation of the case.
“This comprises 53 students, four teachers, three wardens, six parents, two doctors, and a boxing coach,” he said as reported by Utusan Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Alzafny stated that the first and second suspects are Form 4 schoolmates, and that both of them, along with the victim, are fellow members of the archery team.
“Investigations revealed that the second suspect (B2) kicked the victim six times during an initial encounter before taking the victim to meet the first suspect (B1),” he said.
Alzafny noted that both suspects are 16-year-old male students who have been remanded until October 1 and October 3, respectively.
Media reports previously stated that Muhammad Idlan was allegedly beaten with a rubber hose and by hand at the school dormitory.
Alzafny reportedly said the incident occurred after the Maghrib prayers on September 25, at a time when the victim was supposed to be attending a study session at the dormitory.
According to him, the victim was called by the second suspect to the senior students' dormitory in Block A, where he was subsequently beaten. – September 30, 2026
