School denies such “bullying” is a tradition practised by students who celebrate their birthdays in school.
Nine secondary school students were arrested over the viral video which shows a schoolboy beaten up by his classmates to “celebrate” his birthday, The Star reported.
The 17-year-old boys are all from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bukit Jelutong, according to Selangor CID chief Senior Asst Comm Fadzil Ahmat.
The nine have been released on police bail.
“They were picked up around 11.30am on Monday before being released at 4.45pm,” Fadzil was quoted saying.
This was following the victim lodging a police report at around 9pm on Sunday (April 15) regarding the issue.
Earlier, it was reported that Shah Alam district police chief ACP Baharudin Mat Taib said preliminary investigations found that the incident took place on February 8.
“Police have contacted the school involved and we will work together. While investigations are ongoing, the police urge the public not to speculate on this issue,” he said.
The 30-second video depicts eight students, including one in a prefect’s uniform, singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the victim before assaulting him with a broom, kicks and punches.
It was said that such “bullying” is a tradition practised by students of the school to celebrate their friend’s birthday.
However, the school’s management said that it was not so, according to the New Straits Times.
They claimed that throwing flour was a known ritual for some students who celebrated their birthdays in school.
But this isolated incident was only brought to their attention last Friday when the video went viral on social media sites.
The Education Ministry, meanwhile, said it is investigating the incident.
Deputy Education Minister, Datuk P Kamalanathan said such an incident should not happen for whatever reason or purpose.