A 16-year-old student allegedly attacked a female teacher with an axe at a private school in Kuching, Malaysia, on Wednesday (Oct 21), leaving her with injuries to her hand.
The incident occurred at Tunku Putra-HELP International School in Sarawak’s capital, prompting an emergency response and the early dismissal of students. The teacher was taken to hospital by ambulance and was reported to be recovering well, with no critical injuries.
Police launched an investigation into the incident, which reportedly involved an axe and firecrackers. The case is being investigated under Malaysia’s Penal Code and Explosives Act 1957. The teenager was arrested but was subsequently reported to have been released on police bail, according to local media reports.
Videos Show Teenager Allegedly Preparing Before Incident
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show the teenager preparing for the incident before entering a classroom.
In one recording, the youth was seen standing in front of a toilet mirror with a mobile phone strapped to his forehead, apparently to record or livestream his movements. He was also seen holding what appeared to be a canister, while a long object was visible in his bag.
The video subsequently showed him leaving the toilet and running along a corridor towards a classroom. Upon reaching the room, he reportedly shouted, “This is what you get!” before approaching a female teacher who was seated at a table.
CCTV Footage Appears To Show Axe Attack
Another video, reportedly containing CCTV footage timestamped at 7.49am on Oct 21, appeared to capture the alleged attack inside the classroom.
The teenager was seen swinging an axe towards the teacher, who attempted to protect herself with her hands. He then left through the classroom’s front entrance before returning moments later through another door and swinging the weapon towards students.
As the situation escalated, students could be seen fleeing the classroom. The teacher remained in the room when the teenager allegedly approached her again with the axe.
Students Step In To Disarm Alleged Attacker
One student intervened by moving between the teenager and the teacher, pushing him back and attempting to restrain him.
A struggle over the axe followed, with another student eventually managing to take the weapon away. The intervention helped bring the immediate threat to an end.
The circulating footage has drawn attention to the actions of the students who intervened during the incident. However, the full circumstances leading up to the alleged attack remain under investigation, and the footage alone does not establish the teenager’s motive.
Teacher Suffers Hand Injuries, Police Investigate
Sarawak Acting Police Commissioner Saifullizan Ishak said police received an emergency alert at approximately 8.03am on Wednesday. The report concerned a 16-year-old male student who had allegedly brought firecrackers to the school and injured a teacher with an axe.
The female teacher reportedly sustained cuts to her hand. She was transported to hospital for treatment, with the school later confirming that her injuries were not critical and that she was recovering well.
Police are investigating the case under Section 324 of Malaysia’s Penal Code, which concerns voluntarily causing hurt using a weapon or dangerous object. Investigations are also being conducted under Section 6(1) of the Explosives Act 1957 in relation to the alleged possession of explosives.
School Says Alleged Attacker Was No Longer An Active Student
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Tunku Putra-HELP International School confirmed that the teenager involved was no longer an active student at the institution.
The school said it had activated its emergency response procedures following the incident. Teachers and staff responded before the police and ambulance services were notified.
It added that students in the affected classroom managed to evacuate, and no other injuries were reported. The school was dismissed early as a precaution, with parents informed that they needed to collect their children.
The school also expressed its appreciation for the injured teacher’s composure during the incident and wished her a full recovery.
Three Auxiliary Police Officers To Be Deployed As Classes Resume
Following a review of its security arrangements and clearance from the relevant authorities, the school said lessons would resume on Thursday (Oct 22).
Three auxiliary police officers will be stationed on the school grounds, while appropriate safety checks will be carried out on people entering the campus.
The school is also considering additional long-term security measures. It said assemblies would be held to address students’ concerns, with counselling support made available to those who need it.
Separately, the Sarawak Education Department said it had contacted the school and was prepared to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers and staff affected by the incident.
Police Urge Public Not To Spread Unverified Information
Police have urged members of the public to avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified claims about the case.
Authorities said investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather relevant evidence. The public was also reminded to respect the privacy and interests of everyone involved.
The incident has raised concerns about school safety and the measures needed to protect students and teachers from dangerous situations on campus.
For now, the school is proceeding with enhanced security arrangements while cooperating with investigators. The motive behind the alleged attack has not been officially established, and the investigation remains ongoing.