KUALA LUMPUR – A viral video showing students from the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Miri ramming a classmate into a pole has been ruled out as a case of bullying, with police saying it was a prank carried out during a birthday celebration.
Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the student, accompanied by his parents, came forwad to clarity that he was not assaulted or coerced.
“He denied being bullied and explained that it was a birthday prank carried out voluntarily with his classmates, without any elements of abuse,” Farhan said in a statement today.
The 13-second clip, which circulated widely online, had shown a group of young men lifting another student with his legs spread apart and repeatedly ramming him against a pole. The footage triggered widespread public outrage and speculation about campus bullying.
Police said they had questioned institute officials, the student’s parents, and all those involved – aged between 18 and 24 – before classifying the case as requiring no further action. However, Farhan warned that authorities would take strict action if new evidence of abuse emerged.
IKBN Miri confirmed the incident happened on campus and said disciplinary measures would still be taken against the students involved.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Youth and Sports weighed in, warning that the students could face suspension or expulsion.
“There is no room for physical violence at this institute, prank or otherwise,” the ministry said in a statement.
Farhan urged the public not to circulate the video or fuel speculation that could cause unnecessary alarm. Instead, he called on people to channel credible information directly to the police. — September 23, 2025