A high-achieving 12-year-old girl’s dream of continuing her education at a fully residential school may be slipping away after she has been unable to attend classes for the past four months due to serious health complications allegedly linked to bullying.
The pupil is now reportedly struggling with mobility issues and has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which her family claims was triggered by prolonged physical and emotional bullying at school.
Her mother, Norasikin Hasin, 32, said her daughter, who was staying in the hostel of a primary school in Perlis, began showing signs of distress in February after returning home for a school break.
At first, the family believed she was suffering from a common illness. However, they became increasingly concerned when the normally active child spent most of her time lying down and sleeping for unusually long periods.
“For three consecutive days, she slept from around 2pm until 1am the next day. We tried waking her up to eat and bathe, but she refused,” Norasikin said.
As her condition worsened, the family noticed bruises on her body and signs that she was experiencing severe pain in her back.
Concerned by her deteriorating health, Norasikin and her husband, Muhamad Abdul Hadi Mohd Fauzi, encouraged their daughter to explain what had happened.
According to the mother, the child eventually revealed that she had allegedly been bullied by three classmates who frequently targeted her, forced her to complete their schoolwork and isolated her from other students.
She also claimed the alleged bullies encouraged other pupils to avoid befriending her.
The girl reportedly described one particular incident in which a classmate allegedly pulled a chair away just as she was about to sit down, causing her to fall.
Medical examinations later found that her spine had shifted slightly from its original position.
The child was admitted to Hospital Tuanku Fauziah and later received treatment at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah.
Between February 22 and early March, she remained hospitalised after specialists diagnosed her with PTSD and internal muscle-related complications.
Norasikin said the trauma has dramatically changed her daughter’s personality.
Once cheerful and outgoing, the girl now reportedly isolates herself, experiences episodes of hallucinations, becomes distressed easily and relies on daily medication, including sedatives and painkillers.
“There are times when she suddenly screams or throws things because she believes she can see the classmates who bullied her,” her mother claimed.
“Even at the hospital, she became frightened when nurses approached her because she imagined she was seeing the faces of the students involved.”
The family also said the girl now requires assistance when walking because she often feels disoriented and unsteady.
Following the incident, a police report was lodged on February 25. However, the family claims they have yet to receive any significant updates regarding the case.
They also submitted complaints to the State Education Department, but were informed that further action is pending the outcome of the police investigation.
The girl’s father said the situation has placed additional financial strain on the family, whose monthly income is approximately RM1,300.
He said expenses related to medical treatment, transportation to hospitals and specialised support equipment have already cost the family thousands of ringgit.
Meanwhile, Padang Besar District Police Chief ACP Mohd Shokri Abdullah confirmed that police had received a report regarding the matter.
He said investigations were conducted under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.
“The investigation paper has been completed and referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Office for further instructions,” he said.
As investigations continue, the family hopes the case will receive the attention it deserves and that justice will be served for their daughter, whose education and future have been deeply affected by the ordeal.
