Reported by
Andrew Lim Wu Jiat Sr2ScF
Photography by
Tan Xin Yee Sr3A
On the 17th of May 2025, students gathered in the hall for a talk from Superintendent Puan Lai Lee Peng of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). As the students flocked into the hall and took their seats, Madam Lim Siew Lian, Vice Principal of Kuen Cheng High School started by presenting gifts to our special guest, Puan Lai, expressing our gratitude on behalf of the school.
(Photo 1: Madam Lim presenting a gift to Puan Lai)
Puan Lai began the talk by emphasising that students should protect themselves and their property. She told students to avoid becoming the victim of a crime, and especially not to become a prime suspect during an investigation. Furthermore, she stressed that school plays a crucial role in fostering responsibility and helping students distinguish between right and wrong.
Puan Lai proceeded to explain the various types of bullying, starting with physical bullying. Physical bullying in school may result in the bully getting sent to a reformatory under the Child Act 2001. Puan Lai also shared some harrowing stories on real bullying cases that she has dealt with, ranging from a fake birthday party resulting in the victim bruised and battered and a Johor bullying case resulting in the victim taking his own life.
Furthermore, She explained the different laws regarding emotional bullying and verbal bullying such as Section 427 of the Penal Code in Malaysia, where destruction of property of others worth more than RM25 will result in jail time of not more than 1 year or a fine.
Superintendent Lai advised students to avoid fighting or arguments, as it could impact them and lead to a criminal record. Alternatively, students should resolve disputes among one another via peaceful means. She also gave students pointers on protecting themselves from bullying cases, such as not being afraid to talk to parents, school counselors or teachers, or to not skip school.
After that, Puan Lai talked about sexual harassment in secondary schools. Sexual harassment involves the non-consensual touching of intimate body parts, regardless of the individual’s gender. She told all the students to stay wary and set up boundaries to prevent becoming the victim of these cases. Most of all, she taught the students to say no to sexual harassment. She also elaborated on love affairs between students. She told the students to beware statutory rape, utilising a story regarding a 16 year old getting pregnant due to rape.
Puan Lai advised the students to ask themselves four questions before dating in school. The four questions include “Am I mature enough to date someone?”, “Can I control my emotions?”, “Can I focus on academics whilst dating?” and if you pass these questions, “Can my partner also pass these questions?”.
(Photo 2: Puan Lai discussing sexual harassment with student volunteers)