The international school plans entry checks, additional security officers and student support as classes resume following the classroom incident.
KUCHING, Malaysia — A private international school in Kuching is increasing campus security and providing support to students after a 16-year-old allegedly attacked a teacher, prompting an early closure and a police investigation.
Tunku Putra-HELP International School said it would station three ancillary police officers on campus and conduct appropriate security checks at entrances following the Oct. 21 incident. The school also said it was reviewing broader long-term safety measures with authorities while preparing to resume normal operations after receiving clearance to reopen.
The changes came after a female teacher was injured during an incident involving a teenager and a small axe. Police received an emergency call at about 8:03 a.m. The teacher was taken by ambulance to a hospital, and the school later said she was recovering well and had not suffered critical injuries. No other injuries were reported.
The school said its emergency response procedures were activated immediately. Staff contacted police and ambulance services, while students in the affected classroom were evacuated. Classes were dismissed early on police advice, and parents and guardians were notified to collect students.
School officials said the teenager involved in the incident was no longer an active student at Tunku Putra-HELP. Authorities have identified him only as a 16-year-old because he is a minor. Police have not announced a motive, and the school and investigators have urged the public not to circulate rumors or unverified claims.
Sarawak acting police commissioner Saifullizan Ishak said investigators recovered a penknife and a small axe in connection with the incident. Police also said the teenager had brought firecrackers to the campus. The case is being investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code and Section 6(1) of the Explosives Act 1957.
The incident drew wider public attention after video recordings circulated on social media. Police confirmed that the teenager livestreamed the episode, while classroom security footage also spread online. Authorities have asked the public to avoid speculation while investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and gather evidence.
As part of the school’s response, senior leaders said they would hold assemblies with students to address concerns and provide reassurance. Counselling support will also be made available to students who need it. The school said it was reviewing its existing protocols with authorities rather than relying only on the immediate security changes announced after the attack.
The Sarawak Education Department has also said it is prepared to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers and staff affected by the incident. The school has emphasized that no other students or employees were reported injured, while asking that the privacy of those directly involved be respected.
Classes were scheduled to resume Oct. 22 after the school received clearance from relevant authorities. Police, meanwhile, are continuing their investigation into the teenager’s actions, the items recovered and the circumstances that led to the incident. No final investigative findings or formal charges had been announced.
Author note: Last updated October 22, 2026.