Police have closed the case involving a viral video showing a group of National Youth Skills Institute students lifting a classmate and ramming him into a pole, classifying it as requiring no further action (NFA).
Miri police chief Farhan Lee Abdullah said in a statement that investigations had found that the incident was a prank among friends.
“The student concerned lodged a report with his parents on Sept 23. He denied being bullied and explained that it was a birthday prank carried out voluntarily with his classmates, without any coercion or abuse,” he said.
Farhan said the institution’s deputy director of student affairs had also conducted an inquiry and determined that the incident was a prank.
He added that the institution would still take disciplinary action against those involved, while the case is being reviewed by the relevant ministry.
Farhan said that police took a serious view of bullying as it could cause injuries or trauma and disturb public order.
“Police called the institution’s officer, the victim’s parents and all students involved, aged between 18 and 24, to assist in the investigation,” he said.
Yesterday, the youth and sports ministry said stern action would be taken against the group of students seen in a 13-second video of the incident.
It warned that the students could face suspension or expulsion, saying “there is no room for physical violence at this institute, prank or otherwise”.
