By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 22: The public has been urged not to share videos or pictures of the incident in which a student at an international school in Kuching allegedly attacked a teacher and fellow students with a sharp object, amid concerns that graphic exposure could trigger a “contagion effect” and encourage other troubled individuals to imitate such acts of violence.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said the circulation of such content could also cause further harm to the victims and their families, particularly as minors were involved, while potentially influencing others to commit similar acts.
He said he had raised the incident during yesterday’s Budget 2027 debate in Parliament, describing it as deeply concerning and highlighting the need to strengthen safety measures in schools.
The incident has raised alarm among parents, teachers and students, prompting questions about whether schools are adequately equipped to prevent and respond to acts of violence.
“In my speech, I called for clear and effective SOPs (standard operating procedures), along with proper training for schools on how to prevent and respond to cases like this.
“I fear we may see more such incidents, given the growing exposure of our young people to negative influences online and on social media,” he said in a statement today.
Beyond strengthening school security and emergency procedures, Dr Yii stressed the importance of providing appropriate support and mental health care to everyone affected.
He said victims needed assistance to recover from the trauma they had experienced, while the student responsible for the attack should receive appropriate psychotherapy to address the anger and underlying issues that may have contributed to the incident.
Dr Yii reiterated his appeal to the public to refrain from circulating videos or photographs related to the case, warning that doing so could compound the distress experienced by those involved.
“I do not want to see a day where metal detectors stand at the entrances of our schools,” he said, adding that maintaining a safe learning environment was a shared responsibility involving the government, schools, parents and the wider community.
He called for collective efforts to ensure that every child could attend school and learn in a safe environment. — DayakDaily
