SPM Rape Suspects Expelled, Barred From School Exam Hall - MOE

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The Education Ministry (MoE) has stressed that allowing the suspects in a sexual misconduct case at a school in Melaka to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination does not mean they will escape punishment.

Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the school’s disciplinary board had decided to expel all four suspects with immediate effect, and they would not be sitting for the exam at their original school.

“The suspects will not take the SPM at their school. Instead, they will sit for the examination at a designated location, either at a detention centre or a separate venue from their school’s exam hall,” he told a special press conference here today.

Mohd Azam said the case is being investigated by the police, and the ministry will extend full cooperation to the investigation process. 

“The MoE is committed to ensuring full cooperation so that justice can be served. Anyone found guilty must face the consequences,” he said.

Earlier reports stated that a female student was allegedly gang-raped by several male students in a classroom at a school in Alor Gajah on Oct 2, with the act recorded on a mobile phone by two of the suspects.

The incident came to light after the victim’s mother received information from a teacher about the circulation of the video before lodging a police report.

Four male students, all SPM candidates, were subsequently remanded for six days to assist in investigations.

Following the incident, Mohd Azam said the ministry will issue comprehensive school safety guidelines in December, based on findings from several special committees currently conducting safety audits.

“The minister will announce the improved guidelines, which are being refined to suit current needs and developments,” he said.

He said the proposal to make closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras mandatory in school premises is also being considered as part of the new guidelines.

“We are looking into the possibility of securing allocations for CCTV installation based on recommendations from the special safety committee,” he said.

-- BERNAMA