Viral photos showing a primary school student covered in blood were not the result of bullying or a fight, but rather an accident while playing with friends.
This was confirmed by Sabah State Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin, who received information from the headmaster of a school in Sipitang.
“According to the headmaster, initial investigations found that the incident was not caused by bullying or a fight. It occurred during normal play among students. One student was playing with a belt, which accidentally struck the victim, causing the injury,” he said when contacted by Sinar Harian on Thursday.
He added that the school immediately took the injured student to the hospital for treatment.
“The viral photo was taken while the student was being transported to the hospital. The parents of the student involved were also contacted and informed about the incident,” he said.
Raisin said the headmaster assured that the school would continue to prioritize the welfare and safety of all students and implement measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
“The headmaster has also accepted full responsibility for the incident,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sipitang District Police Chief, Superintendent Awang Anak Suanda, said the police are aware of the incident circulating on social media.
“The matter is still under investigation and it is understood that the incident involved students playing among themselves,” he said.
