KUCHING, Oct 22 2026: Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah said she is deeply saddened and concerned by an incident involving a young adolescent at a school in Kuching, which has recently attracted public attention on social media.
She said the safety and well-being of everyone in the schools must remain a priority, saying that teachers must be able to carry out their responsibilities in a safe environment, while students must be able to learn without fear of violence or harm.
"I recognise and appreciate the continuous efforts of teachers, school administrators and the relevant authorities to safeguard teachers and students," she said in a statement, adding that any incident involving violence or the use of a weapon must be taken seriously and addressed appropriately to protect the entire school community.
"At the same time, this matter must be approached with care and compassion. The adolescent involved is still growing and developing. While harmful behaviour must be addressed, we must not be quick to condemn, label or shame a young person without understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident," Fatimah stressed.
She added accountability and compassion are not mutually exclusive, adding :" We can uphold the safety of teachers and students while ensuring that the adolescent is treated with dignity and receives appropriate guidance and support."
Fatimah said she is particularly concerned by the words reportedly shared by the adolescent on Facebook: “I have no one. I have no significant other. I have no one to rely on. I was born alone and will die alone.”
She said the people should not make assumptions about what this young person may be experiencing, but expressions of loneliness and isolation must not be dismissed.
"Every child deserves to feel valued, heard and supported. When a young person says, “I have no one,” our response should be to help them access the support they need, not to deepen their sense of isolation.
"I also strongly urge the public not to upload, share or circulate videos of this incident on social media because such act violates a child’s right . The footage may cause further distress, expose those involved to online harassment and compromise their privacy and dignity. Once circulated, it can spread rapidly and remain accessible long after the incident," Fatimah appealed.
She said social media must not become a platform for public shaming or trial by public opinion, telling members of the public to exercise restraint, avoid speculation and refer any relevant information to the appropriate authorities rather than disseminating the footage.
"Our responsibility is twofold: to ensure that schools remain safe places for teachers and students, and to ensure that young people facing difficulties receive the opportunity to learn, obtain appropriate support and move forward constructively," she stressed.
Fatimah said her ministry remains committed to promoting an environment in which safety, dignity, compassion and accountability go hand in hand. We must not define a young person solely by one incident, nor overlook the safety and well-being of the teacher and students affected.
"Every person involved deserves to be treated with dignity, and this matter must be handled responsibly, fairly and with due regard for the facts.
"Let us choose responsibility over sensationalism, guidance over humiliation, and compassion without compromising safety. Together, we must ensure that our schools remain safe for teachers and students, while ensuring that no child is left without help and support," she advised.
In the incident at a private international school, a female teacher was injured in a scuffle with the student.
She was reported to be out of danger while the student was arrested by the police.
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