SHAH ALAM, Aug 26 — Police are investigating an incident where a Form 3 student reportedly fell from the third floor of a school hostel in Sabak Bernam.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said an investigation paper has been opened.
The case is being probed under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001 for the ill treatment, neglect, abandonment or exposure of children, which carries a maximum fine of RM20,000, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
“The investigation will consider multiple angles, including student safety, hostel management, and the social background of the victim and his peers.
“Police are recording statements from witnesses and others. It is premature to confirm any speculation on the cause of the incident, including if there are allegations of bullying,” he said in a statement today.
Earlier, Sinar Harian reported that Form 3 student Ahmad Irfan Ahmad Hanafi was in critical condition after allegedly being bullied.
The Malay daily quoted the victim’s uncle Muhammad Aidil Mansor, 34, as saying his nephew had fallen from the third floor of a school dormitory. A CT scan revealed bleeding on both sides of his brain, a fractured jaw, and lung injuries.
“If he had really fallen from the third floor, there would surely be multiple fractures, but the scan only showed a broken jaw. That’s why we suspect there are elements of bullying,” Aidil reportedly said.
After the incident, Aidil said his family lodged a police report at the Sabak Bernam police station at 5am today, adding that they were informed five students had been detained to assist in the investigation.
The family also questioned the school’s actions, alleging there were delays in informing them of the incident.
Meanwhile, Shazeli urged the public not to speculate as it could disrupt the investigation and distress the victim’s family.
“Selangor police remain committed to conducting a transparent and thorough investigation, with updates to be provided periodically.”
In a separate statement, state executive councillor for rural development and unity Datuk Rizam Ismail urged the public to remain calm, refrain from speculation and spreading false information, and give the authorities space to carry out a thorough investigation.
He said the Selangor government will maintain communication with the authorities to ensure a transparent investigation into the cause of the incident.
“After hearing news about the incident, Menteri Besar (Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari) instructed me to obtain more information and to visit the victim. I will be visiting the student and his family soon, and I pray he undergoes a smooth recovery and regains his health,” Rizam said.
