The Perak Malaysian Civil Defence Department (APM) is investigating four of its instructors after a viral video showed schoolchildren crying and screaming over having to wade through a muddy pool with snakes.
State APM Colonel Mohd Noor Hassan Ashari Sulaiman said the instructors involved in the self-development module were aged between 20 and 40.
"We will also summon several assistant instructors featured in the module to facilitate investigations," he said when contacted by Bernama Tuesday.
He was commenting on the posting of a 2:50-minute long video which showed several schoolchildren crying and screaming when made to wade through a muddy pool with snakes in it.
The recording also showed several APM personnel pouring water on the pupils and addressing them in harsh tones as a test to challenge their bravery under the module.
READ: Education Ministry probing school's 'snake training' boot camp
It is understood that 45 pupils aged between 10 and 11 from a primary school in Kuala Kangsar took part in the training module held in the compound of the APM office in the district.
In addition, Mohd Noor Hassan said the self-development module conducted for the past four years was suspended immediately, pending investigation.
He said the immediate suspension was also aimed at determining whether the training's standard operating procedures were flouted.
He said it was the first time such an incident had taken place during the training module and it would not be treated lightly.
"Initial investigations revealed the instructors were influenced by training modules on YouTube to boost the bravery of the pupils.
"Despite the accompanying teachers being at the edge of the pool and conceding to the fact that the pupils were cheerful after undergoing the ordeal, the method nevertheless, is not the policy of APM and not permitted," he added.
Mohd Noor said the training module, aimed at boosting teamwork, self identity of the pupils and compliance with orders, was certified by the District Education Departments (PPD). -- Bernama
Bernama
Tue Oct 18 2016
A screengrab of the viral video showing several pupils of a Kuala Kangsar school being made to wade through a muddy pool that had a snake in it, as part of a boot camp training. - Facebook
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