KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA) has expressed deep sorrow and alarm following the brutal killing of a 16-year-old student, calling the incident a tragic reminder of the growing threat of violence in schools.
In a strongly worded statement, the MPA urged the public to stop sharing disturbing videos and images of the attack, warning that such acts compound trauma and violate the dignity of the victim and her family.
“Circulating these distressing visuals constitutes a secondary form of harm,” the Association said.
“It prolongs grief and impedes recovery. We appeal to all social media users to show restraint and respect the privacy of those affected.”
The tragedy, which has sent shockwaves through families and educators nationwide, has reignited concerns over student safety and the emotional well-being of young people.
The MPA cautioned against knee-jerk responses such as blanket bans or heavy-handed disciplinary crackdowns, arguing that these measures overlook the root causes of youth violence.
“Such acts rarely occur in isolation,” the statement continued. “They may stem from neglect, unresolved conflict, untreated psychosocial distress, and the erosion of supportive adult relationships in a child’s life.”
The association also highlighted a worrying rise in cases where teachers and school staff have been threatened or assaulted, urging a more comprehensive approach to safety and recovery.
MPA called on schools to establish safe spaces where children can express emotions, access counselling, and rebuild trust. It stressed that teachers and school staff must be trained to recognise distress and respond with empathy. Families, too, should be involved as partners in prevention and healing.
“True safety is not built on cameras or locked gates,” the statement said. “It is founded on nurturing moral, emotional, and social well-being. Belonging, not fear, is the strongest defence against violence,” it said.
The association urged the Ministry of Education and related agencies to expand counselling services and invest in early intervention programmes, noting that reforms worldwide have shown the most effective prevention efforts are those that strengthen relationships and foster emotional intelligence.
On the growing influence of social media, the MPA warned that while digital platforms can enrich learning, they also expose children to cyberbullying, misinformation, and emotional desensitisation.
Citing Australia’s upcoming law restricting access to social media for children under 16, the MPA said regulation alone is insufficient.
“Digital literacy and ethical discernment must go hand in hand with policy control,” it said. “Children must learn not only what is right, but how to care, communicate, and coexist respectfully,” it added.
Concluding its statement, the MPA reaffirmed that schools must remain sanctuaries of laughter, discovery, and belonging.
“Every child and educator deserves to feel protected, supported, and inspired,” the association said. “This is our collective moral responsibility.”
