What We Know So Far About the 16yo Student Accused of Injuring a Teacher With a Hatchet at a Kuching School

Yesterday, Malaysians were shocked by yet another violent incident at a school. This time, the incident took place at an international school in Kuching, Sarawak, where a 16-year-old teenager was accused of injuring a teacher with a hatchet.

What actually happened?

Sarawak Acting Police Commissioner Deputy Comm Saifullizan Ishak said police received an emergency call at 8:03 AM reporting that a student had brought firecrackers to the school and injured a female teacher.

He also confirmed that the 16-year-old student was livestreaming when he allegedly attacked the teacher.

Image Credit: Threads

The livestream, which lasted 12 minutes and six seconds, showed the teenager appearing to remove several items, including a lighter and a hatchet, from his bag while inside a school toilet.

He was also seen with a mobile phone strapped to his head, apparently to record his movements leading up to the attack.

The footage later became shaky as the teenager ran towards a classroom. After yanking open the door, he could allegedly be heard saying, "This is what you get!" to the female teacher before attacking her.

The livestream was broadcast on Facebook but has since been taken down by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

He was also seen chasing other students while swinging the hatchet

Apart from the livestream, CCTV footage from the classroom where the alleged attack took place has also gone viral.

Image Credit: Threads

In the video, the student was seen attacking the teacher several times before exiting through the front door as other students in the classroom watched in horror.

Image Credit: Threads

He was later captured re-entering the classroom through the back door and was allegedly chasing other students while swinging the hatchet.

As students began fleeing the scene, the teacher could be seen having a brief conversation with the teenager before he allegedly swung the hatchet at her again.

Image Credit: Threads

Another student was later seen stepping between the teenager and the teacher. He continued pushing the suspect back and wrapped his arms around him while the teacher attempted to pry the weapon away.

Eventually, another individual managed to take the hatchet away from the teenager.

An alleged manifesto had also gone viral

Beyond the videos, claims also surfaced regarding an unverified manifesto supposedly belonging to the teenager involved in the attack.

The alleged manifesto begins with the accused introducing himself before touching on feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also contains passages criticising capitalism and questioning certain constitutional and religious matters.

However, it has not been verified whether the writings were actually authored by the teenager.

The accused is no longer an active student

In a report by NST, the international school issued a statement saying that the 16-year-old is no longer an active student at the institution.

It was also reported that he was detained by police before being released on police bail.

Meanwhile, the female teacher was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment. It is understood that she sustained injuries to her hands, though they were not life-threatening. She is currently recovering.

"The school deeply appreciates our teacher's courage and composure during the incident and wishes them a smooth recovery."

Image Credit: The Star

Following the incident, the school said it immediately activated its emergency response protocols. Students in the affected classroom were safely evacuated and no other injuries were reported.

The school also confirmed that it would reopen today and that three auxiliary police personnel would be stationed on the school grounds, with security checks conducted at entry points.

"The school is also reviewing more comprehensive long-term security measures for the campus. Our senior leadership team will also be holding a student assembly to explain the incident, reassure students and address their concerns, including by providing counselling support."

The case is currently being investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.

Minister urges public to stop circulating videos of the incident

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development has urged the public to stop sharing videos of the incident, warning that doing so could violate the child's rights, expose those involved to online harassment, and compromise their privacy and dignity.

Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the incident must be handled responsibly, with the safety of teachers and students remaining the top priority while ensuring the adolescent receives appropriate guidance and support.

She also expressed concern over messages reportedly shared online by the accused, which suggested feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Featured Image Credit: Threads