Higher Education Ministry to strengthen polytechnic safety after student's death

The Higher Education Ministry is set to bolster safety measures for polytechnic students, particularly those residing off-campus, in the wake of a tragic incident in Kuantan. The ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Aminuddin Hashim, stated that the investigation into the case involving a 19-year-old female student who died in Kuantan last Tuesday was handed over to the police.

The ministry has also directed registered counsellors to offer support to the victim's family and other students affected by the incident. The Counsellor On Wheels team was dispatched to Kuantan to provide psychological guidance and assistance to students who may have been traumatized by the event.

Hashim emphasized the need for the entire higher education community and society to be involved in addressing this issue. He pointed out that other students might also be feeling stressed and traumatised by the news. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning at a house in Air Putih, where a 19-year-old female student was found dead, likely strangled by her boyfriend following an argument.

The suspect was detained by the police for further investigation. Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Ashari Abu Samah revealed that the suspect had called the police at 4:32am to report the incident, citing pressure marks on the victim's neck. Medical officers confirmed the victim's death upon arrival.