KUALA LUMPUR: An individual believed to be involved in the alleged bullying of a Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) cadet will be charged in court today.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the Attorney General’s Chambers had agreed for the suspect to be charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code.
“The case will be charged under Section 324 for causing harm with a weapon,” he said here yesterday.
Police have recorded statements from 16 people including the victim, the suspect, as well as cadets and personnel of UPNM.
The bullying case was said to have taken place at a dorm room on the night of Oct 22 when a fourth year student asked the victim to iron his clothes.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain was quoted on Saturday as saying that the 22-year-old senior had then taken the iron and placed it on the victim’s chest.
The 20-year-old victim, who was reported to have suffered burns, lodged a police report on Nov 1.
The case has led to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim saying that bullying would not be tolerated at any educational institution.
He said those in charge of academic institutions should stop any bullying culture.
In MELAKA, Bernama reported that the Defence Ministry is introducing measures and regulations to curb bullying that could lead to injury or death among students at UPNM.
Deputy Defence Minister Zahari highlighted that one key improvement is enhancing security by increasing the number of wardens responsible for student supervision, ensuring closer attention to their wellbeing.
“We have zero tolerance for bullying in higher education institutions.
“We know that it can occur either between students or other parties. However, past incidents typically involve student-to-student incidents.
“We recognise the need to strengthen ties between wardens and students by increasing the presence of wardens,” he said after attending the Armed Forces In-Camp Schools e-Sports Competition at SMK Kem Terendak yesterday.
Adly said the ministry will not tolerate any bullying at UPNM and will take strict action under established regulations.
If a police report is lodged, he said full cooperation will be extended to support the investigation in accordance with the law.
