A heart-wrenching video of a young man with a learning disability alleging that he was bullied at a GiatMARA training centre in Melaka has reignited public concerns about student safety, particularly for those with special needs.
The clip, uploaded to TikTok by user @masdo21, shows the young man — a trainee at GiatMARA Durian Tunggal — sharing his experience during what appeared to be a casual conversation at a badminton court. In the emotional video, the victim claimed that he was subjected to multiple bullying incidents by fellow trainees, prompting widespread outrage on social media.
The allegations include being struck by a thrown object while resting and having his motorcycle physically lifted and locked in a cage by a group of peers. The video includes short footage of the victim lying down and reacting as a white item is hurled at him.
“I was shocked to find out what he’d been through,” said Masdo in the clip. “It’s beyond unacceptable. When the person being bullied is someone with disabilities, I consider the bullies absolute cowards.”
He further called for immediate institutional action and warned that if GiatMARA failed to act, he would escalate the matter himself.
MARA Chairman Promises Stern Action
In response to the public uproar, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki released a statement confirming that an internal investigation would be reopened.
He said that all individuals involved in the alleged bullying — including the victim — would be summoned by GiatMARA Alor Gajah’s management to provide statements and cooperate with the inquiry. Dr Asyraf said he had directed the agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Hamdi Ibrahim, to take immediate and comprehensive action.
“Preliminary information suggests the incident may have stemmed from a case of rough joking among trainees during their earlier training sessions at GiatMARA Alor Gajah,” he said in a Facebook post. “However, MARA takes all allegations of bullying seriously, regardless of intent. There will be no compromise.”
The trainees involved are reportedly now undertaking industrial training in welding technology and metal fabrication.
“Zero Tolerance” Policy on Bullying Across All MARA Institutions
Dr Asyraf reiterated that MARA maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for bullying in all its institutions. He stressed that this applies not just to physical harm, but also to verbal abuse, harassment, and psychological intimidation.
“MARA does not and will not condone bullying in any form. Any form of misconduct, especially targeting persons with disabilities, will be met with the strictest disciplinary measures,” he stated.
The chairman further outlined that this policy applies to all of MARA’s educational and training institutions, including but not limited to the Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM), GiatMARA centres, MARA Skills Institutes, MARA Colleges, Professional Colleges (KPM), Higher Skills Colleges (KKTM), MARA Poly-Tech Colleges (KPTM), as well as higher education institutions like the MARA Japan Industrial Institute (MJII), German-Malaysian Institute (GMI), Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM), and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).
He said the leadership across MARA’s entire network of institutions understood his stance and were under strict instructions to act swiftly if bullying is confirmed.
The Case Was Previously Investigated in February, Say Exco
While the video has recently gone viral and reignited national attention, Melaka authorities have clarified that the incident was not new and had in fact taken place in February 2024.
According to Melaka State Executive Councillor for Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs, Datuk Rahmad Mariman, the case had already been handled by MARA earlier this year. All parties involved were summoned for questioning and disciplinary action was taken.
“MARA took immediate steps once they were informed of the incident back in February. All students involved were called in, statements were recorded, and those responsible apologised directly to the victim,” Rahmad said. “The student wasn’t injured, and he has since resumed his training without interruption.”
He added that while the viral video has revived public interest, the case had been closed months ago following internal resolution.
Institutional Accountability and Public Pressure Remain High
Although the case was technically resolved earlier this year, its resurgence online has placed renewed pressure on MARA to demonstrate transparency and enforce its anti-bullying policies consistently. The emotional nature of the video, along with the vulnerable status of the victim, has intensified public scrutiny.
The management of GiatMARA has pledged to cooperate fully with the follow-up probe to ensure public confidence is restored and that no similar incidents occur in the future. Authorities hope the renewed investigation will reinforce institutional accountability while serving as a firm warning against bullying within Malaysia’s vocational and educational training ecosystem.
A Reminder That Past Incidents Can Still Leave a Lingering Impact
The viral incident may have occurred months ago, but it highlights how bullying — particularly when it involves persons with disabilities — leaves a long shadow. While MARA officials assert the case has been resolved and the trainee is continuing his training, public reaction underscores how important transparency, swift response, and preventative measures are in maintaining a safe and inclusive educational environment.
As Malaysia continues to build a skilled workforce through institutions like GiatMARA, ensuring the dignity and safety of all trainees — especially those with special needs — must remain a top priority.
What are your thoughts on the incident? Let us know in the comments.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our Facebook and Instagram for more updates.