Education minister Fadhlina Sidek said they would be moved to the Selangor education department pending the completion of the ministry’s internal investigation into the incident.

“I will ensure that the probe will thoroughly look into all aspects, including claims there was bullying. Stern action will be taken if it’s proven that bullying was involved,” she said in a Facebook post.

The incident at a school’s dormitory building in Sabak Bernam is also being investigated by police, with family members claiming the victim, 15-year-old Ahmad Irfan Ahmad Hanafi, was a victim of bullying.

Selangor police chief Shazeli Kahar said it was too early to link the incident to bullying, but investigations would look into all angles.

Irfan’s mother, Siti Muhaini Mansor, said her son had undergone an operation today and is now being treated in Sungai Buloh Hospital’s intensive care unit.

Siti Muhaini also said the teen was still unconscious, Berita Harian reported.

Separately, education director-general Azam Ahmad said the school had followed SOPs in handling the incident, denying that Irfan’s family members were only informed about the matter much later.

Azam said the school contacted the family as soon as the victim arrived at Sabak Bernam Hospital around 3.40am.