Suspect also questioned and investigation conducted, though no arrest made
KUALA LUMPUR: The police have recorded the statement of a victim of a bullying case at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).
“We recorded the victim’s statement at the Cheras police headquarters,” Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said.
He also confirmed that the 20- year-old victim had lodged a report on Friday, adding that the investigation was being conducted under Section 324 of the Penal Code.
“The report indicated that the incident occurred in a UPNM dorm room at 11.45pm on Oct 22,” the IGP said.
According to the report, a fourth-year senior cadet had asked the victim to iron his clothes, he added.
“Suddenly, the 22-year-old suspect took the iron from the victim and put it on the victim’s chest. Several other seniors were in the same room,” he said.
He added that the complainant was taken to a hospital to verify the injuries suffered.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said a suspect’s statement was recorded yesterday, though no arrest was made.
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said bullying would not be tolerated at any university or educational institution in the country.
“It (bullying) happens because the culture is being tolerated.
“This would not happen if the culture is rejected,” said the Prime Minister during the Temu Anwar programme at UPNM.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Armed Forces said it was investigating the case.
A video of the incident went viral, showing a student pressing a hot iron against another’s chest.
Meanwhile, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye called for a zero-tolerance to bullying.
“Bullying, in all its forms – whether physical, verbal, emotional or cyber – can cause lasting harm to individuals and the overall community.
“Bullying not only affects students’ mental and physical health but also impedes their academic and social development,” he said in a statement.
Lee proposed that each institution should implement and enforce strict anti-bullying policies that define what constitutes bullying and outline the consequences for such behavior.
“This policy must be communicated clearly to all students, parents and staff. Schools and universities should also incorporate anti- bullying and empathy-building programmes in their curriculum.
These programmes can help students recognise bullying, understand its impact and learn how to respond appropriately if they witness or experience it,” he said.
Among others, Lee said educational institutions must establish safe and accessible channels for students to report bullying.
“This could include anonymous reporting systems and designated counsellors who can provide support to those affected.
“Institutions should ensure swift investigation and resolution of reported cases,” he said.
