Trainee teachers allegedly bullied, forced to make obscene sounds

KUCHING – An alleged bullying incident involving junior trainees at a Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) here has gone viral on social media over the past two days.

Information circulating online claimed the incident involved senior students allegedly bullying male junior trainees from the 2025/2030 intake.

The incident was believed to have taken place between 12.30am and 4.30am last Friday.

Based on the allegations, nearly 100 male junior trainees were believed to have become victims after they were allegedly forced to endure various forms of humiliating treatment for about four hours.

The junior trainees were also allegedly ordered to squat, perform indecent acts and make obscene sounds.

The acts were said to have taken place in front of other students, causing embarrassment and emotional distress to the victims involved.

There were also claims that several students were called to the front to imitate certain actions, while one junior trainee was allegedly mocked in front of other students.

The victims were also allegedly addressed with insulting and vulgar nicknames and were not allowed to bring mobile phones or watches during the session.

Following the spread of the allegations, calls were made through an open letter on social media urging the relevant authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the claims.

Meanwhile, a woman, who was also the mother of one of the trainees at the institute, expressed regret over the alleged incident and urged immediate investigations to stop bullying culture among future educators.

“It is deeply regrettable if the allegations are true. Bullying should no longer happen because, as we know, many unwanted incidents have occurred as a result of such acts.

“I was shocked after reading the allegations and worried that my child could be among the victims,” she was quoted as saying in a report by Malay daily Berita Harian on Monday.

The woman, who declined to be identified, also said bullying should not occur in an IPG, which serves as an institution to produce ethical and credible educators.

“It is truly saddening when future teachers are treated and raised in a culture that is immoral and humiliating,” she said.