POLICE have clarified that a recent sexual assault case involving students at a boarding school in Baling does not constitute gang rape, as earlier speculated.
Instead, the case involves statutory rape, as the underage victim had sexual relations with each of the four teenage boys involved on separate occasions.
The acts allegedly took place in various locations, including an empty classroom, a palm oil estate, and at the victim’s home, according to Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah.
“Although the acts were carried out on a consensual basis, the victim is underage and cannot be considered mature enough to understand the consequences,” said Adzli, speaking to reporters at his office today.
“The case is classified as statutory rape,” he added.
Adzli confirmed that one of the suspects, aged 17, was in a relationship with the victim.
Among the four suspects, three are current students at the school and are facing expulsion, while one had already been expelled prior to the incident coming to light.
Police have also seized several mobile phones, including the victim’s, after discovering videos containing what Adzli described as “other immoral acts” but not footage of the sexual encounters themselves.
“There is no indication that the videos were sold, but they were shared – including by the victim herself,” he noted.
He stressed that this case reflects a worrying lack of maturity among the teenagers involved, adding that parents must take greater responsibility in monitoring their children’s behaviour online and offline.
“The police cannot play that role within households. Parental supervision is critical,” he said.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape and Section 8 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which addresses the dissemination of child pornography.
Adzli also praised the school’s discipline teacher for acting swiftly.
“Credit must be given to the school’s discipline teacher who quickly alerted the victim’s parents, allowing a police report to be lodged without delay,” he said.
Police had earlier arrested four teenagers, aged between 15 and 17, in connection with the case. - October 16, 2025
