Police will investigate if report is lodged over alleged IKBN Miri bullying video

KUALA LUMPUR: The police will open investigation papers if an official report is lodged regarding a viral video allegedly showing a Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (IKBN) Miri student being subjected to physical bullying.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the authorities would take action if there were criminal elements in the incident.

“If a police report is lodged, investigation papers will be opened.

We will investigate if there are criminal elements involved, and the full facts will be considered before the investigation papers are submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action,” he told reporters at Bukit Aman on Wednesday (Sept 24).

He said that police take all bullying reports seriously and that thorough investigations are necessary, especially when minors are involved.

“For bullying cases, we already have anti-bullying laws in place. Therefore, detailed investigations are crucial to ensure legal action does not negatively impact underage individuals,” he added.

Earlier, Miri OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah confirmed that the student involved denied being bullied, explaining that the viral clip was actually a birthday prank by his friends on Sept 19.

Police had called in institute officials, parents, and all students aged between 18 and 24 involved in the incident to record their statements. The case was later classified as no further action.

However, ACP Mohd Farhan stressed that police will continue to monitor the situation and will not compromise if new evidence or reports suggest elements of bullying.

The 13-second video, which showed a group of male students lifting a fellow student until he hit a pole, sparked public concern and drew strong reactions online, with many linking it to bullying cases in the country.