KUCHING: The authorities should investigate thoroughly a 14-year-old boy’s claim that he was extorted and threatened by Form 4 students in his school, said Parliament deputy speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
He told thesundaypost that if the Thursday incident was true and if such gang activity existed then it should not be allowed to breed in any school.
“Teachers, parents and the Education Department must take immediate and decisive action before more incidents of such nature developed,” Junaidi advised yesterday.
He added that the objective was not to punish but prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
“There should not be an easy solution. Counselling and advice for first offender is necessary.
“Teachers and schools should not be complacent before widespread bullying demoralise the whole student population of the school,” added Junaidi who is also Santubong MP.
Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah when contacted, said the student should bring the incident to the attention of the principal, senior assistant or form teacher for further action.
She added that investigation should be carried out and if it was found to be true then disciplinary action needed to be taken accordingly.
“What is important is that a report has to be made by the school as there are clear regulations on cases involving extortion or blackmailing.”
She pointed out that extorting someone is a very serious offence that cannot be taken lightly by the authority.
“It has to be nipped in the bud,” said Fatimah who also oversees educational affairs in the state.
Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi when asked to comment told thesundaypost that he had only heard of the incident and would call for a meeting to find out the root cause.
He said he also wanted to find out which school in Santubong the boy is studying in and if such incidents were rampant, he would call on the relevant authority to deal with them.
“If it was just an isolated case it would be easier to deal with,” added Dr Rahman .