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Police probing death of Form One student in Sabah, says Fadhlina

Police probing death of Form One student in Sabah, says Fadhlina

The Star18-07-2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The death of a Form One student who allegedly fell from a third-floor dormitory at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tun Datu Mustafa Limauan, Sabah, is now under police investigation, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek ( pic ).
She said the Education Ministry was fully cooperating with the authorities regarding the incident involving the female student.
"The ministry's top management and I visited the family at the hospital to ensure their needs are met and their welfare is taken care of.
"The Sabah Education Department has also provided immediate assistance to the family, including in terms of psychosocial support," she said in a Facebook post on Friday (July 18).
Fadhlina appealed to the public to refrain from speculation that could hinder the investigation and to respect the family's privacy.
"Action will be taken in accordance with the investigation's outcome,' she said while expressing condolences to the family and praying for their strength and patience during this difficult time.
On Thursday (July 17), a Facebook user, Dun Sindumin Sipitang, shared a post about the incident involving a student, a former pupil of Sekolah Kebangsaan Pantai Sipitang, who was laid to rest at Tanjung Ubi Cemetery, Kampung Mesapol. - Bernama
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