Malaysia police detain seven students after viral bullying incident in Sabah

MALAYSIA: Seven secondary school students in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, have been detained to assist investigations into a viral video allegedly showing a bullying incident involving a female student near a local secondary school.

According to Berita Harian reporting on 28 May, Kota Kinabalu district acting police chief Superintendent Syed Lot Syed Abdul Rahman confirmed that the arrests were made at around 3 pm involving six female students and one male student aged between 15 and 17.

Police said the male student is believed to have recorded the incident, which has since circulated widely on social media, prompting public concern and calls for investigation.

Investigation under criminal intimidation and rioting laws

Authorities said the case is being investigated under Sections 147 and 506 of the Malaysian Penal Code, relating to rioting and criminal intimidation.

According to Berita Harian, police began investigating after receiving a report lodged by the victim a day after the incident.

Initial findings indicate the alleged assault took place at around 8 am on 22 May.

The victim reportedly sustained bruises on both shoulders and legs, bruising on the left ear, and minor cuts on the left knee following the incident.

Police added that the students involved are believed to know each other and were connected through a WhatsApp group named “Angel”.

Viral video prompts public concern and conflicting claims

Daily Express reported that a Facebook video circulating online allegedly shows a Form One student from Inanam Secondary School/Sekolah Menangah Kebangsaan (SMK) involved in the incident near SMK Kolombong.

The report stated that accompanying claims suggested the incident may have stemmed from a misunderstanding, with allegations that the victim was also threatened during the altercation.

However, these claims have not been independently verified.

Authorities have not confirmed the exact cause of the incident, and investigations are ongoing.

Questions over involvement of bystanders

Daily Express also reported that it is understood the SMK Kolombong student seen in the video was not involved in the altercation and was instead seen assisting the victim during the incident.

Members of the public have since called for a full investigation to establish the facts and determine whether the case constitutes bullying or other forms of violence.

Police said investigations remain ongoing as they examine all available evidence, including viral footage and witness accounts.