Warning: Some readers may find the descriptions in this article graphic and triggering. Discretion is advised.
A 16-year-old male student who allegedly attacked a teacher at a private school in Kuching, the capital of Malaysia’s Sarawak state, on Wednesday (21 Oct) morning
He has been detained by the police, the school said.
Videos circulating on social media showed the teenager repeatedly swinging the weapon at the teacher and students before being restrained and disarmed.
Source: @liclerc on X
One video showed a youth saying, “There’s no turning back” in English before entering a toilet.
While standing in front of a mirror, the youth was seen to have a phone strapped to his head, apparently livestreaming.
He also had some sort of canister in his right hand and a long implement in his bag.
Source: @BendiTheBagak on X
He then exited the toilet and ran down a corridor.
Source: @BendiTheBagak on X
When the youth reached a classroom, he opened the door while shouting, “This is what you get!”
A stunned teacher seated at a table stood up and stared at him.
Source: @BendiTheBagak on X
He appeared to attack her, with the teacher raising her arm to shield herself.
The camera turns to black, but terrified shouts and screams were heard from the students in the classroom.
Another video, which contained CCTV footage that had the timestamp of 7.49am on 21 Oct, depicted the moment that the student entered the classroom.
Source: @liclerc on X
He was seen swinging the axe repeatedly at the teacher, who tried to block him with her hands.
Source: @liclerc on X
He then ran out of the classroom via the front door, but returned through the back door seconds later, swinging the implement at other students.
Source: @liclerc on X
When most of the students escaped by the front door, the youth said something to the teacher before swinging the axe at her again.
But this time he was pushed back by another student who got in between him and the teacher.
Source: @liclerc on X
The three proceeded to struggle with the axe for a while.
Source: @liclerc on X
The threat was finally nullified when the axe was snatched away by a third student.
Source: @liclerc on X
In a statement released on Facebook on the same day, Sarawak Acting Police Commissioner Saifullizan Ishak confirmed that it had received a report on an incident at a private school in Kuching that morning.
At about 8.03am, the Kuching District Police Headquarters Control Centre was alerted to a 16-year-old male student who reportedly brought firecrackers and injured a teacher with an axe.
The female teacher suffered injuries to her hand.
The case is being investigated under Section 324 of Malaysia’s Penal Code — voluntarily causing hurt with a weapon or dangerous object.
It is also being investigated under Section 6(1) of the country’s Explosives Act 1957 for the possession of explosives.
The police are conducting a detailed investigation to identify the entire cause of the incident and obtain relevant evidence, said Deputy Commissioner Saifullizan, advising the public not to speculate or spread unconfirmed information about the incident.
This is out of respect for the investigation process and to safeguard the interests of all parties involved, he added.
The school concerned, Tunku Putra-HELP (TPH), posted an official statement on Facebook on Wednesday night.
It said the injured teacher was conveyed by ambulance to the hospital and is recovering well after sustaining no critical injuries, adding:
TPH is deeply grateful for our teacher’s bravery and composure during the incident, and wishes her a smooth and full recovery.
No other injuries were reported, as students in the affected classroom were able to evacuate.
As a precaution, school was dismissed early and parents were notified to pick up their children.
Source: Li Ling’s Spectrum World ｜ 俐伶的星星世界 on Facebook
TPH also noted that the alleged attacker is “no longer an active student” of the school and is now in police custody.
The matter is still under police investigation, with the school continuing to cooperate fully with the authorities.
It urged the public not to speculate or spread unverified information, and to respect the privacy of those involved.
Following a review of safety protocols and enhancement of security measures, TPH will resume normal lessons on Thursday (22 Oct), it said.
Three ancillary police officers will be stationed at the school compound, with “appropriate safety checks” to be conducted on those entering the campus.
The school is also exploring “more comprehensive, long-term security measures”, it added.
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Featured image adapted from @BendiTheBagak on X and @liclerc on X.