Kuching international school keeps police on campus after pupil allegedly attacks teacher

A 16-year-old pupil allegedly attacked a teacher with a small axe at Tunku Putra-HELP (TPH) International School in Kuching on the morning of Wednesday 21 October 2026.

The teacher was hurt in the hand. She was taken to hospital by ambulance and has since been discharged.

The Form Four boy allegedly brought firecrackers to school. A video of the attack spread on social media. Police seized a penknife and a small axe.

The school said the pupil is no longer enrolled.

Police inquiry

Acting Sarawak police commissioner Saifullizan Ishak said officers had taken statements from 24 people.

"Police are investigating and collecting evidence," he said on the day of the attack.

The boy was arrested, then released on police bail. He was referred to the psychiatric ward at Sarawak General Hospital, and police said on 23 October he was still receiving treatment there. Officers will take his health and the advice of doctors into account as the investigation goes on.

The case is being investigated under two laws:

• Section 324 of the Penal Code, for voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon
• Section 6(1) of the Explosives Act 1957, for possessing explosives

Security at the school

TPH sent pupils home early on the day on police advice. Pupils in the classroom where the attack happened got out, and no one else was hurt.

Classes resumed on 22 October, with about 80 per cent of pupils back on campus.

Three auxiliary police officers are now posted at the school, and everyone is checked on entry. The school said both measures will stay until the end of the school year.

"Our immediate priority is to provide the necessary care and support to students and staff directly affected by the incident," the school said in a statement.

The school leadership and board of governors will keep reviewing safety arrangements with the authorities. Senior staff planned assemblies for pupils to talk about the attack, and counsellors have seen a number of children.

The school thanked the teacher for her bravery and composure.

It asked the public to stop sharing CCTV footage and photographs of its pupils, and to respect the privacy of the families involved.