NGO demands school be probed for Form 4 student's suicide

An NGO has called for a thorough investigation into a school in Seberang Perai after a Form 4 student died of suicide on Feb 4.

According to Malaysian Tamilar Kural president David Marshel, the student allegedly committed suicide after "feeling pressured" in school.

"The student had pleaded to change class and school but was not allowed to do so. He came home from school one day, went into his room and hanged himself," David said in a press conference today.

According to his parents, the student was found in his room at about 6pm on that fateful day and rushed to a nearby hospital. He was pronounced dead at 9pm.

David said the school must be held responsible for the matter as there had been several complaints from parents about their "harsh and military-like" disciplinary methods.

"Suicide has been happening in schools, so have bullying incidents. We cannot just ignore the problem. Schools should be a safe place for students," said David, who is also Seberang Perai city councillor.

In 2017, another case of suicide in a school in Nibong Tebal caught public attention when a student died after a teacher accused her of stealing the latter's mobile phone.

Penang deputy chief minister and state executive councillor in charge of education, P Ramasamy, has been informed about the incident and vows to see the case probed by the authorities.

The Penang State Education Department is investigating the case. - Mkini