Teen livestreamed alleged axe attack on Kuching teacher, acting Sarawak police chief confirms

Kuching authorities have requested the public to refrain from sharing video footage of a student assaulting a teacher at a private school. Sarawak Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah made this appeal to safeguard the privacy and dignity of all parties involved. She warned that circulating the footage on social media could exacerbate distress, expose those involved to online harassment, and violate their privacy.

Fatimah emphasized that the public should not turn social media into a platform for judgment, shaming, or public trials. Instead, she advised refraining from sharing footage, making assumptions, or spreading unverified information, as these actions could impact the privacy and dignity of the individuals involved, especially children.

Earlier reports indicated a 16-year-old boy livestreamed the incident on an online community platform before the video was removed. The incident occurred around 8:03 am when a teacher tried to seize a sharp object from the student. Preliminary reports suggest the student brought firecrackers to school and allegedly injured the teacher with an axe. The teacher suffered injuries to her hand.

The case is under investigation under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt with a weapon or dangerous object and Section 6(1) of the Explosives Act 1957 concerning the possession of explosives. The student was detained immediately after the incident and later referred to the psychiatric ward at Sarawak General Hospital.

Fatimah stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of the school community to ensure teachers can perform their duties in a secure environment, and students can learn without fear of violence or danger. She urged caution in addressing incidents involving violence or weapon use, stating that such matters must be handled with care and compassion, considering the teenager's ongoing growth and development.

Fatimah cautioned the public against hastily judging, labeling, or shaming the teenager without understanding the circumstances that may have contributed to the incident. She stressed that accountability and compassion are not mutually exclusive, as protecting the safety of teachers and students can be achieved while ensuring the teenager is treated with dignity and provided appropriate guidance and support.

Fatimah also expressed concern over statements allegedly posted by the teenager on Facebook, including remarks about feeling lonely and lacking support. She advised against making assumptions about the young person's experiences but urged that expressions of loneliness and isolation should not be overlooked. Every child deserves to feel valued, heard, and supported.