Police are examining an attack at a Kuching international school after video of the incident spread rapidly across social media.
KUCHING, Malaysia — Malaysian police are investigating a 16-year-old boy after he allegedly attacked a female teacher with a small axe at an international school in Kuching, an incident authorities said was livestreamed before recordings circulated widely online.
The Oct. 21 attack has drawn attention not only because it happened inside a classroom but also because police confirmed that the teenager broadcast the incident on social media. The teacher suffered injuries to her hand and was taken to a hospital. School officials later said she was recovering and had not suffered critical injuries. No other injuries were reported.
Sarawak acting police commissioner Saifullizan Ishak said authorities received an emergency call at about 8:03 a.m. Police said a small axe and a penknife were found in connection with the case. Investigators also said the teenager had brought firecrackers to the school. Police have not announced a motive and have urged the public not to speculate while the investigation continues.
Police confirmed that a video circulating online showed the incident from the teenager’s perspective. Separate classroom security footage also spread on social media after the attack. Authorities have not said that every recording circulating online is authentic, and police have asked the public to avoid sharing unverified information that could interfere with the investigation.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission removed a recording of the livestream from Facebook, according to police. Copies and excerpts had already circulated widely by then. Authorities have not publicly said whether additional platforms were asked to remove the material or whether any separate investigation into its distribution is underway.
Police are investigating the case under Section 324 of Malaysia’s Penal Code, which covers voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons or means, and Section 6(1) of the Explosives Act 1957. The explosives-related investigation follows reports that firecrackers were brought onto the campus. Police have not announced formal charges against the teenager.
Early accounts of the incident differed over the weapon involved. Initial reports referred to a penknife, while later police statements said investigators had recovered both a penknife and a small axe. Subsequent police and news reports identified an axe as the weapon allegedly used to injure the teacher. The investigation remains responsible for determining the full sequence of events.
Tunku Putra-HELP International School said staff activated emergency procedures during the incident, contacted police and ambulance services and moved students away from the affected area. The school said students in the classroom were able to evacuate and that no one besides the teacher was reported injured.
The school closed early after the incident on police advice and said the teenager involved was no longer an active student. School officials also said they would cooperate with investigators and asked the public to respect the privacy of those involved rather than circulate rumors or unverified accounts.
Police have said they are continuing to gather evidence and determine what led to the attack. No motive had been publicly established as of Thursday, and authorities had not announced any final investigative findings or court proceedings in the case.
Author note: Last updated October 22, 2026.