Kuala lumpur: Six male students, aged 17, have been arrested to assist in investigations into a bullying incident involving a 14-year-old student at a school in Muar last May.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad stated that the arrests took place in Muar and Alor Gajah, Melaka, between 1.30 am and 2.12 am today. This followed a report lodged yesterday about the bullying incident.

In a statement, Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad noted that checks revealed all the students had no prior criminal records. They have been remanded for two days until tomorrow to assist with investigations under Sections 323 and 507B of the Penal Code. The police are also examining possible neglect by the hostel warden and school management, as the incident occurred in a dormitory. This aspect of the investigation is being conducted under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.

The victim reported being beaten on the chest, sustaining bruises around the eyes after being struck on the head, and being coerced into handing over money to the suspects, who are senior students at the school. This led to emotional stress and trauma, ultimately causing the victim to leave the school.

Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad called on any other students who may have been victims of bullying by the same group to come forward and file police reports to aid the investigations. He emphasized that the police are treating the bullying incident with seriousness and are committed to conducting a transparent and fair investigation.