Police Track Down Individual in Online Sexual Harassment Case Involving SPM Candidate
Penang police chief says an investigation is under way under Act 792 and the Penal Code after a Form Five student received messages and an insulting image.
GEORGE TOWN – Police have identified an individual believed to be involved in an online sexual harassment case involving a Form Five girl who is also a 2026 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidate in the state.
Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said investigations began after the Criminal Investigation Division at the Central Seberang Perai district police headquarters (IPD SPT) received a report from the victim last Tuesday.
He said preliminary investigations found that the victim had received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number at about 1.59pm.
"The individual involved asked the complainant to send a personal video of herself. At 2.04pm, the suspect again sent an image showing the complainant's picture along with insulting remarks.
"The complainant suspects the act was carried out by someone linked to her school," he said here today.
Lim said police have opened an investigation paper under Section 8 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792) and Section 507E of the Penal Code.
"Investigations found the complainant had also lodged two police reports previously, and those reports were classified as referrals to another agency, namely the District Education Office (PPD), as the complainant's intention was for further action by the party concerned.
"The public is advised not to speculate or spread unverified information that could jeopardise the police investigation," he added.
Earlier, the Penang State Education Department (JPN) said it was conducting an internal investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment and cyberbullying involving the student.
In a statement, the department said the case was in the hands of police and that it would give full cooperation to assist the investigation process.
Yesterday, Kosmo! Online reported that a mother had voiced concern after her daughter, also a 2026 SPM candidate, was allegedly subjected to sexual bullying and cyber harassment since April.
The teenager's emotional state was said to have deteriorated after her photographs were edited using artificial intelligence (AI) technology before being circulated on posters at her school, in public places and on social media.
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.