Why was student phone use restricted on July 16?

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Restriction of Student Phone Use on July 16 Aimed to Prevent Unverified News and Parental Worry

The head warden of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha instructed hostel wardens to restrict students' use of public telephones on July 16. This directive was specifically for that single day and was intended to prevent the dissemination of unverified news and to avoid causing undue concern among parents. In situations requiring urgent communication, students were still permitted to contact their parents through teachers.
Instruction Issued Via WhatsApp

The head warden, Azhari Abdul Sagap, communicated this instruction through a WhatsApp group that included hostel wardens and security guards. The message explicitly stated to "forbid students from making phone calls today," referring to July 16. Azhari clarified that he did not order the power to be switched off, suggesting the implementation might have been a matter of interpretation by others.
Rationale for the Restriction

Azhari explained that the primary reasons for the temporary ban were to prevent the spread of unverified news and to ensure parents were not unnecessarily worried about their children at the hostel. This measure was in place on the day a 13-year-old student, Zara Qairina Mahathir, was found unconscious in the school dormitory.
Emergency Communication Channels Remained Open

Despite the restriction on public telephone use, Azhari emphasised that emergency communication was still facilitated. Students facing genuine emergencies or needing to go home due to sickness were permitted to contact their parents via teachers. Examples cited included students being allowed home due to illness or a family emergency involving a dying grandmother.

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Why was student phone use restricted on July 16?

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