Kuching school attack suspect remains hospitalised as police record 24 statements

KUCHING, Oct 23 — The 16-year-old male student of an international school here who allegedly attacked a teacher on Wednesday morning is still receiving treatment in hospital, said Sarawak acting police commissioner DCP Saifullizan Ishak.

“The police are continuing the investigation, taking into account of the suspect’s health condition and subject to the advice and assessment of the medical officers, whilst ensuring that all applicable legal procedures are complied with,” he said in a statement.

Saifullizan said that, as of yesterday, a total of 24 witness statements had been recorded in connection with the investigation.

These included statements from the complainant, the victim, medical officers, officers involved in the arrest and seizure, the suspect’s parents, the family driver, school representatives and students.

“The investigation is being carried out in a professional, thorough and comprehensive manner, taking into account all relevant statements and evidence.

“Any further action will be taken based on the facts obtained and the provisions of the law in force.

“The police also take seriously the need to be sensitive towards all parties, in particular the welfare of the victim and the students involved.

“The public is requested to respect their privacy and not to disseminate identities, photographs or personal information that could lead to the identification of any party, especially minors,” he said.

The police received a report on the alleged attack at around 8.03am via the MERS 999 emergency line.

The teacher reportedly sustained injuries to her hand during the incident.

The alleged attack has raised concern in Kuching after it was live-streamed and went viral on social media. Saifullizan confirmed the circulation of the video in a report by Sinar Harian.

The circulation of videos and photographs has drawn various reactions from netizens, with many condemning the alleged attack while others expressed shock and concern over safety in schools.

Some social media users voiced fears about the possibility of such violence occurring in a school environment, while others expressed sympathy for the teacher and those who witnessed the incident.

The live-streamed video has since been taken down by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). — The Borneo Post