Bullying incident involving 20 female students in Sungai Udang school under probe

MELAKA: The Melaka government has voiced concern over an alleged bullying incident involving more than 20 Form Three female students at a secondary school in Sungai Udang here.

State education, higher learning and religious affairs committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said the incident, which took place at the school’s dormitory in the early hours of Aug 16, carried elements of self-imposed punishment among students and had been classified as a serious offence.

“The incident has been categorised as a matter of concern as it directly affects the safety, welfare and the rights of students to learn in a safe and conducive environment,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Aug 19).

The ordeal reportedly left several of the victims with swollen and blistered feet.

Rahmad said the case underscored the urgent need to ensure schools remained safe spaces for learning.

He added that the school had already launched an internal inquiry, while the Melaka Education Department has also stepped in to conduct a full investigation.

“A thorough probe will be carried out and stern action will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of students are always protected,” he said.

Rahmad reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, calling on schools to strengthen supervision and to introduce more preventive programmes to address misconduct among students.

He also urged the stakeholders to remain vigilant and act collectively in protecting children.

“Any issues concerning student safety must be reported directly through official school authorities and state Education Department so that immediate and comprehensive action can be taken,” he said.