KUALA LUMPUR: The Civil Defence Force (APM) has suspended with immediate effect its student team-building module following a viral video which emerged of students having to wade a mud pool with a blood python snake inside.
The video has sparked anger from netizens, who questioned why the students were subjected to such terror and possible trauma.
The incident took place at the Kuala Kangsar APM office involving 45 students of Sekolah Kebangsaan Beluru.
A Perak APM officer was quoted by Harian Metro as saying that his staff were probing and gathering information on the case.
He said the force had conducted team-building modules for the last three years but this is the first time they have seen an episode of this kind.
"We are baffled as to why this approach was used. We forbid our staff from using snakes or even do any demonstrations involving snakes.
"We place great emphasis on personal safety and are disappointed that this had happened."
He said the aim of the programme was to measure one's team spirit, discipline, work level and other requirements.
Today, Perak APM director Colonel (CD) Mohd Noor Hassan Ashari Sulaiman told the New Straits Times a full probe will be done to ensure those involved are penalised accordingly.
"We are very upset with this incident as the standard operating procedure (SOP) prohibits the use of snakes unless for the purpose of demonstrating how to catch snakes, or how to react when snakes are in the vicinity," he said.
Meanwhile, Perak Youth Council deputy president Aswannudin Hariffudin condemned the officers' actions and labeled it as "sadistic."
"This activity is not to educate the students but to torture them. It is illogical to carry out such training to primary school students," he said in a statement.
In the two-minute 50 seconds clip, a group of female students, dressed in sporting attire, were seen wading through a muddy pool. A snake was thrown into the pool, leaving the girls in shock and panic.
Some of the girls were seen crying as a result of the incident.