06/03/2025

THURSDAY | MAR 6, 2025 5 Prison Dept uncovers fake officers syndicate KUALA LUMPUR: The Prison Department has uncovered a syndicate impersonating prison officers to solicit money from families and relatives of inmates to provide them with “special meals”. The scam was detected after the department received several complaints from victims who had received suspicious text messages via WhatsApp from various mobile phone numbers. “The syndicate members reportedly pose as prison officers, using fake aliases such as Sjn Haziq, Sjn Akmal, Sjn Nazri, Sjn Zul, Sjn Sani, Sjn Zam and other fabricated names to deceive family members or relatives of inmates. “They also use multiple mule bank accounts to receive money from their victims,” the department said in a statement. The affected families have lodged police reports and the Prison Department will cooperate with police in their investigation, it added. The department has advised families and relatives of inmates not to transfer money to unknown individuals or bank accounts, and report any suspicious messages to police, as well as notify the department for further action. It also stated that it will not compromise on any negligence or procedural lapses, adding that strict action would be taken against those responsible. “The department is committed to ensuring the safety of inmates and their families from falling victim to scams. – Bernama Radio hosts queried by Bukit Aman KUALA LUMPUR: Six individuals, comprising three Era FM radio announcers and staff from the radio station, presented themselves at the Bukit Aman police headquarters yesterday to provide statements regarding a video that appeared to mock a religious ceremony. The three announcers arrived at 10.30am, while their colleagues arrived separately. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the Bukit Aman Classified Crime Investigation Unit is handling the investigation. A total of 44 police reports have been lodged nationwide over the video, and the case is being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Razarudin said checks revealed that the video had been viewed 95,400 times and shared by 204 social media users. Following widespread criticism, the radio announcers issued an apology. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to conduct a thorough investigation following the complaints. – Bernama KOTA KINABALU: A woman was killed in a landslide in Kampung Lok Bonu, Jalan Sepanggar here early yesterday. The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department said in a statement it received a call about the incident at 4.32am and 10 personnel from the Kota Kinabalu fire station rushed to the scene. “Upon arriving at the location, the team found that a landslide had occurred and buried a house. “A woman, who was buried, was removed from the rubble by the team and confirmed dead at the scene by medical officers.” Her son was also found at the scene and did not suffer any injuries. The remains of the victim and her son were handed to police for further action. – Bernama Woman killed in landslide incident

Prevalent school bullying calls for stricter remedies

o Failure of school to take action should be escalated to Education Ministry as physical, psychological harassment no longer disciplinary issues but criminal acts: Lawyer

up against bullying,” she said. In 2017, it was reported that navy cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain died after being tortured by his peers at a National Defence University hostel, with the Court of Appeal upholding the death sentence on six former students convicted of murdering him. The six will only serve 18 years in prison, after the Federal Court set aside their death sentences recently. Lawyer and Anti-Bullying Act Campaign head Wan Azliana Wan Adnan said bullying must be recognised as a serious crime, warranting strict policies and legal consequences. “Many students remain silent due to threats from bullies, fearing that their reports would not be taken seriously or that they won’t be protected. “To combat this, training teachers and staff in intervention techniques is important. Schools should also monitor high-risk areas such as dormitories, assembly halls and prefect rooms, where bullying is more likely to occur. “If schools or authorities fail to act, victims and parents should escalate the issue through formal complaints to the Education Ministry. Bullying is no longer just a discipline issue. It is a crime,” said Wan Azliana. She also said with the growing use of digital platforms, cyberbullying has become an even greater concern. “Unlike conventional bullying, it allows perpetrators to hide behind fake accounts and operate anonymously, making it more damaging and harder to track. “To counter this, parents must actively monitor the online activities of their children and encourage open communication,” she said.

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

misconceptions parents have is believing that bullying is a normal part of growing up. “Some parents assume their children are too resilient to be bullied or believe they would always confide in them if they were harassed. “Others dismiss bullying, advise children to ignore it, or fear legal complications if they report it, ultimately allowing the issue to escalate,” she said, adding that Malaysia has made commendable efforts in addressing bullying, but gaps remain in enforcement. “Some cases are ignored, mishandled or only taken seriously after being widely shared on social media. “There should be strict, standardised procedures that apply to all schools, ensuring swift action against bullies,” said Nurhijjah. She stressed that the consequences of bullying can be devastating, leading to mental health struggles, self-harm and even fatalities. “A fine of just RM100 is not enough to deter perpetrators,” she added. Nurhijjah proposed that every school has at least one trained counsellor rather than relying solely on teacher-counsellors, and implementing a clear, accessible reporting system for students and parents to seek help without fear of repercussions “We should adopt global best practices, such as Finland’s KiVa programme, which encourages students to intervene and stand

PETALING JAYA: The rising number of bullying cases in schools calls for immediate action and stricter measures to curb the issue. According to the Sistem Sahsiah Diri Murid statistics under the Education Ministry, bullying cases surged from 3,887 in 2022 to 5,891 in 2023. By October 2024, 5,703 cases were recorded, bringing the total number of students involved in bullying incidents to 11,594. Malaysian Mental Health Association associate counsellor Nurhijjah Mat Zin told theSun male students are more likely to engage in physical bullying, while female students tend to bully through emotional and social means, and the victims are often 13-year-old students. “Bullying takes many forms, both verbal and non-verbal, some of which can have severe or even fatal consequences. The most common types include physical bullying, such as pushing, punching and kicking, as well as coercion to comply with unreasonable demands,” said Nurhijjah. “Verbal bullying involves threats, name-calling, slander and harassment, while social isolation, cyberbullying and body shaming are becoming increasingly common. She warned that one of the biggest

FRAUD RING BUSTED ...

Bukit Aman Commercial Crime

Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf showing items seized during a raid at a call centre involved in an online scam at Menara KPJ in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Power supply to 470 online gambling premises cut JOHOR BAHRU: A total of 470 online gambling premises in Johor have had their electricity supply disconnected since January 2024 until Feb 26. gambling crimes can be eradicated for the well-being of the community,” Kumar said in a statement. with 10, Muar with seven, Batu Pahat with six, Pontian with five, Kluang and Kulai with four, Segamat with three, Mersing with two and one in Tangkak.

He added that the latest operation to cut electricity supply took place on Feb 25 and 26, involving 86 premises. He said the operation was conducted under Section 21A of the Open Gambling House Act 1953, involving 64 senior and junior police officers, 48 Tenaga Nasional Berhad staff and seven local authority officials. He also said the Iskandar Puteri area recorded the highest number of premises, with 19, followed by South Johor Bahru with 14, Kota Tinggi with 11, North Johor Bahru

“Equipment was also seized from seven premises in Muar, and one in Tangkak, while eight premises had their licences revoked during the operation.” Kumar added that the authorities will not tolerate any form of gambling activity, and will continue to monitor and inspect premises to curb such activities from becoming widespread. He advised property owners to ensure tenants do not misuse their premises for gambling activities. – Bernama

Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar said 88 business licences involved in the activities were also revoked by local authorities throughout the period. He added that the authorities have submitted a request to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block access to websites involved in the activities. “This effort reflects the continued commitment of the authorities to ensure that