Extreme Pranks Among Friends Can Be Bullying, S’wak Top Cop Warns 

KUCHING, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Young people have been reminded not to take extreme pranks among friends lightly, as such acts may be regarded as bullying and jeopardise students’ future, Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said. 

He said although the recent bullying case at the Miri National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) that went viral on social media was classified as no further action since the victim and his family chose not to pursue the report, police still take the matter seriously.

“Students attend schools or institutes to learn, not to bully. Even if you want to joke around, don’t go too far, because outsiders see this matter as serious.

“In other words, even if it looks like a prank, it is still considered bullying,” he told reporters after attending the Sarawak Police Commissioner’s Monthly Assembly at the State Police Contingent Headquarters here today.

According to Mancha, an investigation paper was opened and all parties, including the victim, parents and friends involved, were called to give their statements, while the victim also underwent a medical examination which confirmed no injuries.

He also advised the public not to record and spread videos of such incidents, as it only encourages negative culture among students.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief SAC Lim San Aik said that although the victim and his father decided not to proceed with the case, police will still refer the investigation findings to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) for further decision.

“My team will hold a briefing with the DPP regarding the outcome of the interviews with the victim and his parents, as well as our investigation findings, for further action,” he said.

Earlier, Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah was reported as confirming that the 19-year-old male student denied being bullied, clarifying instead that the viral incident was merely a birthday prank by friends on Sept 19.

-- BERNAMA