PETALING JAYA: An internal investigation is underway to determine whether there were any elements of provocation in an incident involving a student who allegedly chased two schoolmates with a penknife, says the Melaka Education Department (JPN).
In a statement on Friday (July 10), the department said the school had acted swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating, and no injuries were reported.
“Stern punishment will be imposed on students found guilty.
“Melaka JPN has instructed all schools in the state to strengthen safety monitoring measures.
“These include conducting surprise inspections and using metal detectors, while ensuring strict enforcement of the prohibition on bringing sharp objects to school,” it said.
The department also said students, parents and guardians would continue to be reminded of the school's rules regarding prohibited items.
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In addition to enhancing security measures, the department said it is focusing on comprehensively assessing students' mental and emotional well-being, including those currently undergoing treatment or requiring psychosocial support.
“The Healthy Mind (Minda Sihat) programme, which includes regular mental health screenings, counselling sessions and intervention programmes, would continue to be strengthened to support students' overall well-being,” it added.
It was reported that a Form One student allegedly threatened two schoolmates with a penknife during a student appreciation programme at a secondary school in Alor Gajah on Thursday (July 9).
Earlier Friday (July 10), Alor Gajah OCPD Supt Ahmad Abu Bakar said preliminary investigations found that the 13-year-old student had allegedly reacted after two schoolmates, aged 13 and 14, repeatedly threw ice at him.
He then took a penknife from his pencil case and chased one of them for about 50m towards the school's prayer room, while two other students fled in fear.
The incident, captured on the school's closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, ended without injuries after a teacher intervened and persuaded the student to surrender the weapon.
Police are investigating the case under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation.
