Recently, a disturbing incident at a MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) dormitory in Penang has sparked widespread outrage after a bullying video went viral.
Photo via Facebook (DR ASYRAF WAJDI DUSUKI)
In the footage, a group of male students is seen engaging in cruel behaviour towards their peer. The victim is shown lying face down on a bed, with the perpetrators sitting on him, jumping on him, tying him up, and whipping him with a belt. The disturbing one-minute-and-31-second video rapidly spread online, drawing immediate attention from both the public and authorities.
MARA (Majlis Amanah Rakyat) was quick to respond. Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, the chairman of MARA, confirmed the authenticity of the video and expressed his dismay over the incident. In a Facebook video posted on 7 April, he assured the public that MARA would take "strict action" and would not tolerate bullying of any kind within its institutions.
"I’ve received a full report confirming that this did indeed happen at an MRSM in the northern region," he stated, vowing to conduct a thorough investigation. The students involved in the bullying have been temporarily suspended, a step taken to prevent interference with the investigation and to send a strong message against such behaviour.
Asyraf also reiterated MARA's firm stance against bullying, emphasising the organisation’s mission to nurture future leaders. "How can we nurture leaders if they are shallow in intellect and compromised in morals?" he remarked, underscoring the importance of strong character in leadership.
The case has not only drawn the attention of MARA but also the police, who have launched their own investigation. Authorities have already identified the seven students involved, including the victim. Initial reports suggest the incident took place sometime last year, and the case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which addresses voluntary causing hurt.
“YOU TOUCH, YOU GO!”
Saya telah menerima laporan bahawa video yang tular sejak pagi tadi disahkan berlaku di salah sebuah MRSM di utara tanah air. MARA memandang serius insiden ini. Kita tidak akan berkompromi dengan sebarang perlakuan buli, tidak kira siapa pelakunya. Sejak hari pertama saya diberikan amanah untuk menjaga MARA, saya sudah tegaskan: “YOU TOUCH, YOU GO!” Tiada ruang untuk pembuli. Tiada toleransi terhadap mana-mana pihak yang cuba membudayakan ‘BULI’ dalam apa jua bentuk di MRSM institusi yang sepatutnya menjadi medan melahirkan pemimpin masa hadapan negara. Kita akan pastikan tindakan tegas diambil. Buli bukan budaya kita. #YouTouchYouGo #TiadaTempatUntukPembuli #MRSMBebasBuli
Posted by DR ASYRAF WAJDI DUSUKI on Monday 7 April 2025
This incident serves as a stark reminder that bullying is not just an issue for schools to tackle alone. It is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of parents, teachers, and the broader community. We must all be positive role models for our young ones!
We’re encouraged that MARA is taking this matter seriously, and we hope that it serves as a reminder to all students: such behaviour will not be tolerated.
