"You Touch, You Go" — MARA Vows Strict Action Over Bullying Incident At Penang MRSM Dorm
A video showed a group of students jumping on and thrashing a peer, who was lying face down on a bed.
Cover image via Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has vowed to take strict action following confirmation of a bullying incident at a MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) dormitory in Penang
MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the agency takes such incidents seriously and will not tolerate any form of bullying within its institutions.
"I've received a full report confirming that the viral video circulating since this morning did indeed take place at an MRSM in the northern region," Asyraf said in a Facebook video on Monday, 7 April.
He said he has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and directed that the students involved be suspended for the time being, to prevent any interference and to send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Reaffirming MARA's zero-tolerance policy on bullying, Asyraf emphasised the principle: "You Touch, You Go".
"MARA is a platform to shape future leaders. How can we nurture leaders if they are shallow in intellect and compromised in morals?" he asked.
The incident came to light through a one-minute-and-31-second video that went viral, showing a group of male students sitting on the head and body of another student, who was lying face down on a bed
The footage showed the students jumping on and thrashing their peer, as well as tying him up and whipping him on the buttocks with a belt.
According to Bernama, the police have also launched an investigation into the case.
Seberang Prai Selatan deputy district police chief DSP Mohd Norazmi Abd Ghapar confirmed that authorities have identified seven students, including the victim.
Initial findings suggest the incident occurred in the middle of last year.
The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.
