7 Students Suspended Over Viral ‘Aluba’ Prank, Police Warn Not To Take Jokes Too Far

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Seven male students of the National Youth Skills Training Institute (IKBN) in Miri, Sarawak, have been suspended for a prank that went viral on social media

Last week, a 13-second video emerged online, showing several boys lifting up a fellow student by his arms and legs before slamming his groin against a pole, while laughing.

According to Wikipedia, the act, known as "aluba" or "happy corner," is a common joke among schoolboys in China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, who find it amusing to bump a peer's groin against a pole.

Although the video sparked public concern over possible bullying, the student later told police the incident was indeed a prank by his friends to celebrate his birthday

Following the viral video and public outcry, Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said an investigation paper was opened into the incident.

All parties, including the student, his parents, and the friends involved, were called in to give their statements.

However, according to the New Straits Times, the boy and his parents confirmed there was no abuse involved and chose not to pursue further action.

Nonetheless, the Youth and Sports Ministry decided to suspend the students, including the 'victim', for a week

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the ministry views the incident seriously, stressing that such behaviour cannot be tolerated in educational institutions.

"Even if deemed a prank, this is an unhealthy culture that runs contrary to the values of an educational institution," she said at a press conference yesterday, 25 September, as quoted by the New Straits Times.

Apart from suspension, she added that the students will also have to attend counselling sessions, perform community service, report regularly to a disciplinary officer, and remain on campus for a month.

The IKBN Student Disciplinary Board has also decided to revoke their allowances.

Yeoh stressed that such acts must not be trivialised, as educational institutions should be safe and ethical environments in shaping young people's character

The minister said preventive measures such as increased monitoring by the Student Affairs Unit, motivational sessions, complaint boxes, and counselling support will be implemented at the school.

She said a liaison officer would also be appointed to run more anti-violence and anti-bullying programmes in collaboration with the police.

Meanwhile, according to Bernama, Mancha also reminded young people not to take practical jokes lightly, warning that such acts can cross the line into bullying and jeopardise a student's future.