KUALA LUMPUR: More than a dozen people have had their statements recorded in the ongoing probe into the bullying and abuse of a Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) cadet.
When contacted, Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa confirmed the matter.
“As of now, 16 people have had their statements taken. The medical report has yet to be completed,” he said.
Comm Rusdi added that the police also seized the iron that was allegedly used during the abuse.
Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed that a police report was lodged by the 20-year-old victim at 8.23pm on Friday.
In a statement on Oct 30, the Armed Forces said it was investigating the case.
A video of the incident went viral, showing a student pressing a hot iron against another’s chest.
Meanwhile in Johor Baru, Gerakan Belia Bersatu Malaysia Association treasurer Carson Lim Li Heng said the alleged bullying of the UPNM cadet should be a clarion call for stricter laws against such offences.
He said such legislations should also hold authority figures accountable for failing to act against bullying.
He advocated for enhanced collaboration between youth associations, educational institutions, and the government to combat bullying.
Lim highlighted the necessity for youth organisations to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that laws remain relevant and impactful.
“As youth association members, we can work with the government to ensure children and young people have a deeper understanding of the consequences of bullying and cyberbullying, as well as the punishments,” he said in an interview.
“By working closely with schools and communities, we can educate young people about these legal boundaries.”
He proposed that youth groups lead initiatives, such as seminars featuring law enforcement and legal experts, to simplify the reporting process.
“Legal protections will be more effective if victims know how to report incidents confidently and safely.”
Lim also suggested that youth associations could act as intermediaries, providing feedback to lawmakers on how legal changes affect youth and ensuring that policies address real-world challenges and effectively safeguard young people.
He called for educational institutions to implement robust anti-bullying policies and advocated for a nationwide dialogue on the moral and legal responsibilities of schools in protecting students.
“While new laws are essential, they may only partially deter bullying. So a holistic approach is necessary to address the root causes of harassment, whether physical or online.”
Lim recommended that the government collaborate with tech companies to improve moderation tools and streamline the reporting process, noting that many victims hesitate to report bullying due to privacy concerns, fear of retaliation, or doubts about the seriousness of their complaints.
To promote respectful digital behaviour, he proposed the implementation of “cooling-off” prompts – AI-generated messages that appear before users post potentially harmful content –encouraging reflection and healthier online interactions.
“In addition to legislative measures, there should also be a role for school-based education in combating cyberbullying.
“We need programmes that cultivate empathy and focus on conflict resolution skills.
“This includes calming techniques and respectful communication, which provide students with healthier ways to express emotions without resorting to harassment.”
Lim noted that some youths use social media to vent their frustrations, which can lead to cyberbullying.
He urged schools to teach boundaries and self-regulation to guide young people in handling conflicts and introduce peer-recognition programmes that reward empathy and respect.
“Taking a stand against bullying, fostering a supportive culture where students feel safe expressing their concerns, should be encouraged.
“We can also introduce mental health awareness in schools so that students who experience bullying can be given support.”
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that bullying would not be tolerated at any university or educational institution in the country.
