Using snakes in training module for students is extreme - Perak Exco

Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Education Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhammad Amin Zakaria said using snakes in the training module employed by the organisers was extreme and could possibly endanger the participants.

He was referring to a video recording that went viral yesterday, of a group of frightened and screaming students who were made to cross a muddy pool while snakes were thrown into the water.

The clip also showed water being sprayed on the participants while they were attempting to climb out of the slippery pool.

"Such incidents will only cause stress, anxiety and fear in the participants to an extent that the process of instilling knowledge will not reach optimum level.

"I'm sure parents would not ever give permission for their children to participate in such leadership training in future," he told Bernama when contacted, Tuesday.

The two-minute video which was widely circulated in the social media was harshly criticised by netizens.

Muhammad Amin said although the training was aimed at testing the courage of participants, the use of animals, or in this case, snakes, was totally inappropriate.

"It is more of bullying the students mentally and physically. The incident should not have happened and the parties or organisers involved should be more heedful in their approach as the particpants were merely students," he said.

He said the committee would request for an official report from the Kuala Kangsar District Education Office and Civil Defence Force, and urged the relevant parties to act against the organisers and trainers involved.

He said the committee also planned to meet with parents of the affected students to make sure that the latter are all right.

Muhammad Amin acknowledged that leadership training is important for every student to value-add their competence.

"Any training is meant to educate, provide experience and new skills that can motivate the students to change their attitude for the better," he said.