Police have confirmed that the male student at the centre of a viral “bullying” video from the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) here has lodged a police report denying he was bullied, explaining the incident was actually a birthday prank by his classmates.
Miri police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said in a statement today that the student, accompanied by his parents, made a report yesterday clarifying the situation. “He told us that on 19 September, the day of the incident, it was his birthday and the video showed a prank between him and his classmates from the automotive repair course. He said there was no coercion or abuse involved,” Alexson said.
He added that the institute’s Deputy Director of Student Affairs also lodged a report confirming the incident occurred on campus but was an “over-the-top prank” rather than an act of bullying.
“Police take all bullying cases seriously. We have recorded statements from the institute staff, the parents and all the students involved (aged 18–24). For now, the case is classified as ‘No Further Action’ (NFA), but if new evidence emerges showing elements of bullying, we will not hesitate to act,” he said.
Alexson also urged the public not to spread the video or speculate on the case to avoid disturbing public order.
