Miri: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is conducting an independent investigation into an issue at the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) Miri, where a student recently appeared to be a victim of being bullied physically.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh, stated that the ministry has dispatched two top officials, including Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic) Chan Hong Jin, to IKBN Miri early this morning. Their mission is to carry out an independent investigation and interview the students involved in the incident.

Hannah mentioned that discussions have taken place between the officials, the police, and the parents of the allegedly bullied student. These discussions led to an agreement on three immediate improvement proposals. The proposals include establishing an institute liaison officer from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), organizing anti-bullying talks for all students by the PDRM every three months, and providing a complaint box inside the institute.

She also noted that the IKBN Miri student disciplinary board will convene immediately to determine the punishment for the perpetrators, in line with existing regulations and procedures.

Recently, a 13-second video went viral on social media showing a group of men lifting an individual in a spread-legged position, causing them to hit a pole. This video sparked public reactions and speculation about a possible bullying incident.

However, Miri District Police Chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah clarified in a statement today that the student denied being bullied and classified the case as ‘no further action’. Mohd Farhan explained that the student, along with their parents, informed the police that the incident was merely a prank among friends to celebrate the student’s birthday on September 19, with no elements of coercion or abuse.

Despite the police concluding their investigation, Hannah emphasized that the ministry is keen on conducting its own independent investigation as an additional measure to protect students from any unwanted incidents.