SHAH ALAM – Malaysia is facing an alarming rise in school-related violence, drawing uneasy parallels with early warning signs once observed in the United States (US), where unchecked aggression among youth eventually escalated into an epidemic of school shootings.

While Malaysia is still far from reaching such an extreme, criminologists caution that the growing trend of peer-led assaults, sexual violence and the normalisation of brutality among students signals a deeper social crisis in the making if not urgently addressed.

Recent incidents, including the gang rape of a 15-year-old student in Melaka and the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old girl in Petaling Jaya, have intensified public concern over student safety, the erosion of discipline, and the moral decline within Malaysia’s education system.

These cases have reignited calls for stronger preventive measures and systemic reforms to protect students and restore a sense of security and integrity in schools.

Criminologist: Violence escalation is genuine

Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said the situation is deeply troubling.

“Malaysia is witnessing an alarming rise in school-related violence, from bullying and physical assaults to disturbing cases of rape and even murder among students.

“Is youth violence truly escalating, or are we merely seeing it more clearly through the magnifying power of social media?”

“From a criminological standpoint, I believe both factors coexist. While social media amplifies visibility and fuels moral panic, the frequency and intensity of violent incidents indicate a genuine increase in youth aggression,” he said.

He added that violent behaviour spreads faster in the digital age, where videos of assaults go viral within minutes and online approval through likes and shares reinforces aggressive conduct.

Sundramoorthy clarified that exposure to online violence not only informs but also normalises and encourages imitation, particularly among adolescents craving attention or belonging.

Warning signs: Parallels to the US

Sundramoorthy warned that many Malaysians have begun drawing uneasy parallels with the US, where school shootings and student aggression have become tragically routine.

While Malaysia is still distant from such extremes, he stressed that certain behavioral patterns, like peer-led violence, sexual assault and the normalisation of aggression mirror early warning signs seen abroad.

He stressed that without timely and strategic intervention, Malaysia risks heading down a similarly dangerous path.

Another worrying factor, he said, is the digital culture that glorifies toxic masculinity.

He pointed out that “red pill” and “alpha male” influencers portray dominance and aggression as signs of strength, subtly promoting misogyny and control.

“Global research has linked these ideologies to increased acceptance of violence and bullying.

“Locally, the popularity of gangster-themed movies and social media content that celebrate revenge or thuggery further desensitises young men to violence.

The glorification of the ‘tough guy’ persona without moral accountability fosters a distorted view of masculinity and self-worth.”

Sundramoorthy also criticised the tendency of some school administrations to conceal violent incidents to protect institutional reputation.

“Such actions are irresponsible and betray the Education Ministry’s (MoE) clear policies on bullying, sexual misconduct and student discipline.

Administrators who attempt to suppress or downplay violence must face firm consequences. Silence or denial not only perpetuates harm but also erodes public trust in the education system,” he emphasised.

Two weeks of horror in Malaysian schools

The rising tide of school violence became tragically evident in two major cases within weeks of each other:

• Melaka Gang Rape (Oct 2): Four Form Five boys were arrested after the alleged gang rape of a 15-year-old student, with two accused of assault and two recording the act. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek vowed that “no one will be protected.” However, public outrage erupted when the ministry later allowed the accused students to sit for their SPM examination, with critics arguing the gravity of the crime outweighed examination rights.
• Petaling Jaya Fatal Stabbing (Oct 14): A 16-year-old student at SMK Bandar Utama 4 was fatally stabbed by a 14-year-old classmate who had reportedly been rejected after confessing his feelings to the victim. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari stressed that “schools should be the safest place for our children.” Education Director-General Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad subsequently ordered tighter school security, mandatory bag checks and enhanced mental health support for students.

These two back-to-back tragedies; a rape and a murder within two weeks have reignited a painful national debate on the moral and psychological health of Malaysia’s youth.

Both cases have forced Malaysia to confront its rising tide of school violence and the question of whether society is doing enough to stop it before it spirals further.

This article first appeared on Sinar Daily.