13/10/2025

MONDAY | OCT 13, 2025

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Teens in alleged school rape case allowed to sit for SPM

MALACCA: Four male students accused of raping a female schoolmate will still be allowed to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, which begins on Nov 3, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She said the ministry would ensure that the students do not fall behind academically, even as the case remains under police investigation. She was speaking after meeting the leadership of the Malacca Education Department and state police yesterday. Fadhlina said the ministry’s immediate focus is to maintain discipline and emotional stability among teachers and students, particularly those preparing for the upcoming exams. “Counsellors will be assigned to provide full support to the staff and students of the school concerned. “We are also giving special

that four Form Five students were remanded for six days, from yesterday until Oct 16, on suspicion of sexually assaulting the girl at the school last week. The incident allegedly occurred at about 3pm on Oct 2 in a classroom, and was recorded on a mobile phone by two of the suspects. It came to light after the girl’s mother was informed by a teacher about the circulation of the video, prompting her to lodge a police report. Govt all for inclusive access to higher education KUALA LUMPUR: Starting next year, students from poor and hardcore poor families pursuing studies at public higher education institutions will have their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans converted into scholarships based on e-Kasih data. Corporation chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Rahim said the initiative, announced under Budget 2026, underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive access to higher education and concern for the welfare of students. “This measure is expected to ease the financial burden of students and allow them to fully focus on their studies,” she said in a statement yesterday. When tabling Budget 2026 on Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced free education for 5,800 students from poor families studying at higher learning institutions, with an annual allocation of RM120 million. Additionally, the government has agreed to exempt PTPTN loan repayments for students from low and middle-income families who graduate with first-class honours degrees, involving RM90 million annually and benefitting some 6,000 borrowers. Norliza said the repayment exemption serves as recognition for academic excellence. “The government continues to prioritise efforts to produce high quality graduates. Students are encouraged to remain focused on their studies and strive for excellence.” On the travel restrictions for borrowers working abroad who can afford repayment but have defaulted, Norliza said maintaining the corporation’s sustainability is vital to ensuring that future students continue to benefit from education financing. “National Higher Education Fund Corporation loans must be repaid to ensure the continuity of funds for new borrowers. Therefore, targeted overseas travel restrictions will be imposed on borrowers with outstanding arrears.” – Bernama

support by medical staff, Bernama reported. “All necessary actions have been taken by the relevant departments, particularly to ensure the protection and wellbeing of the student.” Also present during the briefing were Education Director-General Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad, Malacca Education Department director Mahfudzah Mohamed Noor and state police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar. Dzulkhairi had earlier confirmed

o Decision made to ensure accused students do not fall behind academically, as police investigations continue: Education minister

Three girl believed to be the victim of the sexual assault at the school last week. Fadhlina said the student is receiving treatment at a hospital and is also being given emotional

attention to teachers handling SPM subjects and students preparing for the examination.” She said the Education Ministry would continue to provide emotional support to the Form

Incident reflects serious moral breakdown: Activist KUALA LUMPUR: The alleged sexual assault involving several secondary school students in Malacca should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to intensify efforts to strengthen moral education, “That such a serious crime (allegedly occurred) in a classroom setting is totally unacceptable and points to serious lapses in supervision, moral education and awareness about respect, consent and proper conduct among students. services and confidential reporting channels for students who may be victims or witnesses of wrongdoing. “Parents, too, have a vital role to play by maintaining open well as comprehensive support and protection for the alleged victim. According to police, four 17-year old students who are due to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia

examination next month have been remanded for six days to assist investigations into the alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old female student at a school in Alor Gajah last week. Malacca police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the incident, being probed under Section 375B of the Penal Code, took place in a classroom when the girl went to the classroom get her science project materials. – Bernama

communication with their children about respect, empathy and the consequences of harmful behaviour. “Communities must unite to create an environment in which such acts are not only condemned but prevented through education and guidance.” Lee also called for a full and transparent investigation into the case, along with firm disciplinary and legal action against those responsible if guilt is established, as

student discipline and school safety mechanisms, said Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. He said the incident reflects a serious moral and disciplinary breakdown that must not be taken lightly. Lee stressed that schools should always be safe spaces that nurture learning, character building and personal development.

“Beyond academic achievement, greater emphasis must be placed on character building, values education and understanding of right and wrong.” He also urged the Education Ministry to review school safety procedures, strengthen supervision within school compounds and ensure the availability of counselling

Bahasa Melayu cornerstone of Malaysian identity: MB AMPANG: Mastery of Bahasa Melayu is more than a matter of national pride – it is a cornerstone of Malaysian identity that extends even to areas such as land ownership and inheritance, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Speaking at the launch of the National Language Month

celebration at the Ampang Jaya Convention Centre yesterday, he said the ability to speak and use Bahasa Melayu reflects not just communication skills but also one’s sense of belonging and cultural roots as a Malaysian. “In Selangor, we often encounter cases involving land ownership, tenancy or inheritance rights – all of which are sometimes linked to whether an individual is considered Malay. “One of the key criteria is that besides professing Islam, a person must also speak or habitually use the Malay language in daily life.” He said language mirrors a nation’s soul and serves as a marker of civilisation, adding that Bahasa Melayu has long stood as the foundation of Malaysia’s national identity as enshrined under Article 152 of the Federal Constitution. Quoting the late scholar Za’aba, Amirudin said language acts as a bridge between thought and understanding, and when used carelessly, it risks distorting meaning and weakening unity. On the recently tabled Budget 2026, he said Prime Minister Datuk

Amirudin speaking at the launch of the National Language Month celebration at the Ampang Jaya Convention Centre yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN Seri Anwar Ibrahim had reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the use of Bahasa Melayu, particularly in education and public life. spirit of the Federal Constitution and the National Language Act”. greatest nations are not defined by tall buildings or technological advancement but by their ability to cultivate creativity and cultural values.

Amirudin also highlighted the creative economy’s role in elevating national language and culture, referring to its emphasis under the newly introduced 13th Malaysia Plan. “Language is the foundation of modern civilisation. The world’s

“We celebrate National Language Month not just for a month but as a commitment to building a truly civilised nation proud of its language – Bahasa Melayu.” – By Harith Kamal

He echoed Anwar’s criticism of international schools in Malaysia that have abandoned Malay as a medium of instruction, describing the practice as “contradicting the