Malaysia’s education ministry has launched an investigation into allegations that a 10-year-old cancer patient was bullied at a Johor school.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed on 18 August that she had ordered immediate action, saying the ministry would not tolerate misconduct in educational institutions.
Police later said on 19 August that statements from seven individuals, including a medical officer and witnesses, had been recorded.
Mother alleges two separate incidents in 2024
The victim, identified as Izzul Islam Azuan, has been battling adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting glandular tissue, for the past two years.
His mother, Siti Suhana Misdi, 39, revealed in a Facebook post that her son had been attacked twice this year — first in February and again on 7 August.
She said the latest incident happened in a school classroom, after which Izzul collapsed and required hospitalisation.
Two police reports were filed, the most recent on 14 August at the Taman Universiti Police Station in Skudai.
February case linked to sister’s rejection of attacker
According to Suhana, the first incident took place in February at a religious school.
She claimed the assault stemmed from her daughter’s rejection of the alleged perpetrator’s advances.
During the attack, she said, Izzul was beaten, kicked, and forced to remove his clothes.
He later suffered a concussion and required two weeks of intensive treatment at a private hospital from 12 March to 26 March.
Suhana added that she only discovered the assault on 24 March, after her daughter raised concerns about Izzul’s deteriorating condition.
Limited action in first case
According to Sinar Harian, police initially deemed the February case unsuitable for investigation, with authorities facilitating only a meeting between both families.
Bernama reported that no legal action was taken against the 12-year-old alleged attacker as he is below the age of criminal responsibility.
“The impact on my son has been severe,” Suhana said.
“He can no longer focus on his studies, and doctors said recovery could take up to three years. He is also at risk of seizures if he faints or falls.”
Second alleged incident in August
The second alleged assault took place on 7 August, when Izzul was reportedly struck on the head by a classmate.
He fainted the next morning and continues to suffer from pain, according to his mother.
“I don’t know why he is targeted. Perhaps because he looks weak from illness,” she told reporters.
“He is 80 per cent recovered from cancer, but now he is fighting bullies.”
Doctors at KPJ Puteri Hospital in Johor Bahru are still monitoring Izzul, and police have said a full medical report will be crucial in completing their probe.
Police investigation under Penal Code as Regent of Johor visits victim, calls for stricter anti-bullying measures
Johor police chief CP Ab Rahaman Arsad confirmed investigations are being carried out under Section 323 of Malaysia’s Penal Code, which covers voluntarily causing hurt.
Convictions under this provision carry a penalty of up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to RM2,000 (approximately S$608), or both.
“There is a possibility we will call more witnesses depending on the results of the medical report,” Ab Rahaman said after visiting the boy in hospital.
The case has drawn heightened public attention.
On 19 August, His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail, the Regent of Johor, and His Royal Highness Tunku Iskandar Ibni Tunku Ismail, the Raja Muda of Johor, personally visited Izzul.
They were accompanied by Johor’s Chief Minister YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, State Secretary YB Dato’ Asman Shah Abd Rahman, and Johor Darul Ta’zim football player Arif Aiman.
“Bullying must be curbed, and stricter enforcement measures must be implemented immediately to ensure that educational institutions remain safe for children,” Tunku Ismail decreed.
Recent death in Sabah adds to public scrutiny
The case in Johor has drawn significant attention as it follows the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, who allegedly suffered bullying before falling from her school dormitory in Sabah on 16 July.
Her body was exhumed for a post-mortem amid widespread public calls for a transparent investigation.
The case has sparked a wave of outrage under the hashtag #JusticeforZara.
On 20 August, five teenagers appeared in the Kota Kinabalu Court, charged under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code, which concerns threatening, abusive, or insulting words or communication.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned against politicising cases of bullying-related deaths, but acknowledged possible shortcomings in past investigations.
“Bullying is psychological and physical abuse, whether in schools, universities, offices or even in the health ministry. This culture must be stopped,” Anwar said, according to Bernama.
Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, has also weighed in, decreeing that a nationwide anti-bullying campaign be introduced at the primary school level.
He stressed that children must be taught mutual respect and discipline early, warning that failure to act could produce “a generation lacking compassion”.
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