Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari said one of them was alleged to have “direct links” with the incident, which left the student with severe injuries.

“One of them is believed to have been related (to the incident), but I leave it fully to the cops to investigate the case.

“I believe the authorities will ensure that justice is served,” Berita Harian quoted him as saying.

The victim, Ahmad Irfan Ahmad Hanafi, 15, is being treated at Sungai Buloh Hospital.

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

The education ministry has temporarily transferred the principal, the senior assistant for student affairs, and the school’s hostel wardens to the Selangor education department.