Police arrested four high school students in southern Malacca state on Saturday for gang raping a 15-year-old girl earlier this month and recording the assault on a mobile phone. The victim was allegedly dragged into a classroom by her seniors as she was retrieving a class science project in the October 2 incident.

The four suspects, all aged 17 and due to sit for their school leaving exam next month, were arrested and placed under six days’ remand.

On Sunday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that despite their arrests, the suspects would be allowed to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam. The exam is crucial for high school leavers as it determines university placements and government scholarships.

“We will ensure that they aren’t left behind in their education,” Fadhlina told local media.

In a separate statement, Fadhlina’s ministry said they were providing emotional and mental support to the victim.