All students involved in the viral “bullying” incident at the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Miri, Sarawak, have been ordered to undergo counselling, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed. The first counselling session took place today at 12:30pm.
A special committee led by the ministry’s deputy secretary-general arrived in Miri at 9am to investigate the incident. Yeoh announced three immediate measures: appointing a police liaison officer at the institute, conducting anti-bullying talks by police every three months, and providing a complaint box for students.
On whether the students had been suspended, Yeoh said investigations are ongoing, with the institute’s disciplinary board set to convene and determine appropriate action. She also reassured parents that the victim had undergone a second medical check-up, with a good health report.
“Even though the students claim it was a prank, I don’t simply accept that. Any injuries or criminal elements must be thoroughly investigated,” she said.
Miri police chief Farhan Lee Abdullah previously classified the case as “no further action” after confirming the incident was a voluntary birthday prank among classmates. A 13-second video had gone viral showing students lifting a classmate and ramming him into a pole.
