MIRI: Police have confirmed that a viral video showing a group of students carrying another student until he hit a pole, was not a case of bullying but an act of excessive joking among students.
The 13-second clip, which had gone viral on social media, triggered speculation that the incident involved bullying.
Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the student featured in the video have lodged a report with his parents today, stating he was not bullied.
“Instead, he explained that it was a birthday prank carried out by fellow Automotive students on Sept 19, without any element of coercion or abuse.
“We have since recorded statements from the institution’s staff, the student’s parents, and all the students involved, aged between 18 and 24, before classifying the case as No Further Action (NFA),” he said.
He added that the institution’s deputy director of Student Affairs had also conducted an internal investigation and confirmed that the incident was indeed a prank and not a case of bullying, and that it took place within the institution’s premises.
The institution, he said, will take strict action against the students involved. The matter is also still under investigation by the relevant ministry.
Mohd Farhan said police take bullying cases seriously as they can cause physical injury, psychological trauma, and disrupt social harmony.
“Police will continue to monitor the situation and will not hesitate to act firmly if new reports or evidence of bullying emerged.
“Members of the public are advised not to share the video or speculate on the incident that may cause unnecessary concern,” he said.
