SUNGAI PETANI: A Form Five student has been injured after falling from the third floor of a secondary school building after being reprimanded by a teacher for bringing a mobile phone to school.
Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said the victim, who has hearing impairment and autism, had previously been referred to the school's guidance and counselling services.
"The cause of the incident is still under investigation but initial investigations found that the victim was reprimanded by a teacher on Feb 26 for bringing a smartphone to school. However, the phone was not confiscated," he told a press conference at the Kuala Muda Police Headquarters here on Tuesday (March 3).
He said police have interviewed the teacher involved as well as several other teachers and would record statements from other witnesses.
He said the victim had been at the school since Form One is said to have behavioural issues.
Adzli said doctors at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital here said the student had fractures to the left arm, left collarbone and hip as well as an injured left lung but was in stable condition.
"Injuries sustained were consistent with a fall. There were no head injuries nor other injuries that could be linked to bullying," he said
He said further investigations are being conducted under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code.
Meanwhile, the Kedah Education Department in a statement on Tuesday said any possible bullying or criminal acts would not be tolerated.
It said a cleaner had found the injured student and provided immediate assistance before he was rushed to the hospital while the school promptly informed the parents.
The incident occurred when all the other students and school staff were at the assembly ground.
Those suffering from problems can reach out to: the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim's Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214); and Befrienders by visiting www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours or call 03-7627 2929.
Alternatively, Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association Malaysia also offers a 24-hour crisis helpline at 1-800-180-066 and WhatsApp support line at 03-9765 6088 manned by trained volunteers. – Bernama
