Primary Six pupil suffers burns after setting off firecrackers, Muar cops probe social media influence

MUAR, Sept 30 — A Primary Six pupil, believed to have been influenced by action and high-intensity content on social media, suffered burns after setting off firecrackers at a school here yesterday.

The incident also triggered panic among parents and the school community.

Muar police chief Assistant Commissioner Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the 12-year-old boy was injured in the incident, which occurred at about 11am.

“The pupil involved was then taken to Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital (HPSF) here for treatment.

“A preliminary psychiatric assessment was also conducted on the pupil before he was allowed to continue treatment as an outpatient.

“Examinations revealed that the victim suffered burns on several parts of his body and is currently receiving treatment,” he said in a statement today.

Raiz Mukhliz said initial investigations later led police to detain the pupil to assist in the probe.

He said investigations suggested the pupil was likely influenced by action and high-intensity content on social media and the internet.

“However, further investigations are being conducted to identify all the factors that led to the incident.

“A search was also conducted at the scene and the pupil’s residence where several items believed to be linked to the incident were seized for further investigation and analysis,” he said.

Raiz Mukhliz said six witnesses had come forward to assist investigators, while efforts to locate other witnesses were ongoing.

He said the school acted proactively immediately after the incident by directing pupils to a safe area before seeking police assistance.

A safety inspection was also carried out at the scene by the Muar district police bomb disposal unit, while the Johor police contingent’s forensic unit conducted a forensic examination.

“Checks and inspections found no other explosive threats in the vicinity of the incident,” he said.

Earlier, the pupil was brought before the Magistrate's Court, where police obtained a four-day remand order until Saturday to facilitate investigations.

The case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to damage, as well as Sections 6 and 8 of the Explosives Act 1957.