Melaka: The Ministry of Education (MOE) is set to offer emotional support to a Form Three female student believed to be a victim of a sexual assault incident at a local school last week. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed that the student is currently receiving medical treatment and emotional support at a hospital.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina assured that all necessary measures have been implemented by the relevant departments to ensure the student’s protection and well-being. She made these remarks following a meeting with the leadership of the Melaka Education Department and state police. Key figures present included education director-general Dr. Mohd Azam Ahmad, Melaka education department director Mahfudzah Mohamed Noor, and Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar.
The minister highlighted that the ministry is also focusing on discipline and providing emotional support to both teachers and students at the affected school. Counsellors are being assigned to offer comprehensive support, particularly to teachers handling Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) subjects and students preparing for the examination.
Fadhlina emphasized that the ministry’s immediate priority is to ensure that both students and teachers can concentrate on their SPM preparations without being emotionally affected by the incident. The case has been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Regarding the four male students involved, Fadhlina confirmed they will still be permitted to sit for their SPM examination, commencing on November 3. She noted that efforts are being made to ensure these students do not fall behind in their studies.
The incident, which allegedly occurred on October 2 around 2.50 pm in a classroom, was reportedly recorded on a mobile phone by two of the suspects. It was brought to light after the victim’s mother was informed by a teacher about the video’s circulation, prompting her to file a police report. Four Form Five students have since been remanded for six days as part of the investigation.