Melaka police chief Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the four suspects have been remanded until Oct 16 to assist in the investigation, MalaysiaGazette reported.

The investigation is being held under Section 375B of the Penal Code for gang rape, punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison upon conviction.

The suspects reportedly committed the offence on the 15-year-old victim at about 2.50pm on Oct 2, while she was headed to her classroom to collect something she had left behind.

Two of the suspects reportedly watched and recorded the incident with their handphones.

The education ministry said it viewed the case seriously and will fully cooperate with the police investigation.

“We will not compromise with sexual misconduct, and stern action must be taken on anyone found guilty of such offences,” it said in a statement.

It urged school administrators to follow its guidelines on managing cases of sexual misconduct to safeguard the wellbeing of students and teachers.