MELAKA: Four students suspected of committing gang-rape at a secondary school in Alor Gajah will still be allowed to sit for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), which begins on Nov 3, says Fadhlina Sidek (pic).
The Education Minister said although the case is still under police investigation, the students’ right to education must be upheld in line with the ministry’s principle of education for all.
“The SPM will proceed as planned. We’ll ensure they do not fall behind in their studies even while the investigation is ongoing,” she told reporters after a special meeting with Melaka education, higher learning and religious affairs committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman and state police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Dzulkairi Mukhtar at the state Education Department here yesterday.
Fadhlina said the victim remains hospitalised and is receiving psychological counselling.
She said the Education Ministry’s focus now is to ensure emotional and psychosocial support for all students and teachers at the school.
Fadhlina said the meeting also discussed long-term intervention and preventive measures so that such incident does not recur.
She reminded the public to be sensitive and responsible when addressing cases of sexual crimes involving students, and to respect the laws protecting minors’ personal data.
A Form Three student was allegedly raped by two senior students at about 2.50pm on Oct 2. The act was reportedly recorded on a mobile phone and witnessed by two other students.
It is believed the incident first came to light after a video recording of the act was circulated among students at the school before it was reported to teachers on Oct 10.
The victim’s mother then lodged a police report. All the suspects have since been remanded.
In Kuala Lumpur, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil advised the public to be careful in sharing content on digital platforms regarding the matter, Bernama reported.
“If any content violates laws such as the Child Act, the Communications and Multimedia Act or the Penal Code, action can be taken against those who disseminate it,” he told reporters after attending the Ministerial Forum: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence On The Future Workforce, held in conjunction with the Young Future Leaders Summit 2025.
Meanwhile, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the case should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to intensify efforts in strengthening moral education, student discipline and school safety mechanisms.
He urged the Education Ministry to review school safety procedures, strengthen supervision within school compounds, and ensure the availability of counselling services and confidential reporting channels for students who may be victims or witnesses to such incidents.
“Parents, too, have a vital role to play by maintaining open communication with their children about respect, empathy and consequences of harmful behaviour.
“Communities must unite to create an environment where such acts are not only condemned but prevented through education and guidance,” he said.
