THE Sabah Education Department has ordered a probe into a student brawl in Tawau that went viral on social media, stressing that it will not compromise on any form of misconduct involving students.
The department said the school authorities and Tawau District Education Office had been instructed to identify the students involved and conduct an internal investigation into the incident.
"The case is also being investigated by the police, and the department is giving its full cooperation to the ongoing investigation.
"Although the incident occurred outside the school premises, any form of misconduct involving students is taken seriously.
"Such behaviour not only tarnishes the image of educational institutions but also threatens the safety and well-being of students," the department said in a statement on Thursday.
It added that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any student found guilty after investigations are completed.
The incident gained public attention after a video showing several students involved in a fight at a shoplot along Jalan Apas, Tawau, on July 10 was widely circulated on social media.
Police had earlier arrested and remanded eight secondary school students, aged between 13 and 14, for two days over the brawl, which was allegedly linked to the distribution of artificial intelligence-generated sexual videos and images.
The students are being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting while armed with weapons. - July 16, 2026
