Years go by, but one thing remains the same in some Malaysian universities: the belief that pain equals discipline.
And a viral video of students doing planks under the sun is proof that old habits die hard.
One such incident recently went viral on TikTok, sparking renewed debates about hazing, hierarchy, and whether this kind of “discipline” still has a place in modern campus life.
Planking under the scorching sun
The viral video shows a group of male students from a local institution of higher learning doing the plank exercise on a cement floor, right under the blazing sun.
The scene resembled a PLKN (National Service) drill, with the students enduring intense heat. According to the video caption, the temperature at the time reached a sweltering 35°C.
What made it more surprising was that this happened on just the second day of the students’ arrival at the institution, a time when most are still easing into orientation.
Who made them do it?
Viewers were quick to point out that the activity did not appear to be led by any facilitators or staff.
Instead, the planking was allegedly part of a student-organised “kursus besarkan lengan” (bicep-building course).
While some found the concept amusing, others questioned if peer pressure was involved, especially among new students trying to fit in.
However, the actual reason behind the activity is still unclear, and the claim has not been officially confirmed.
‘Outdated and unnecessary’
Unsurprisingly, the video triggered a wave of online reactions. Many netizens condemned the activity, calling it a form of ragging that no longer belongs in today’s education system.
‘It’s 2025. Stuff like this is no longer relevant. There’s no benefit for guys or girls. Saying people are mentally weak is just an outdated mindset,’ one user wrote.
Others reflected on their own university experiences, questioning the need for such extreme measures during orientation.
‘Not necessary at all. Just ask them to do 10 push-ups if they messed up. Why make them plank under the sun like that? I still remember being forced to do pointless stuff during my own orientation. No one even explained why,’ another person commented.
But not everyone disagrees
While many disapproved, some came to the defense of the activity. They argued that physical challenges like this help build discipline and mental strength.
Several older users even shared their own experiences from back in the day, viewing them as a rite of passage.
‘Batch 07 is too soft. Back in my day, we planked for an hour under the hot sun. Our skin turned dark, and we still turned out fine,’ one man said.
‘People forget that education isn’t just about books. It’s about building character and moral values. You need structure and discipline in life,’ another added.
Watch the video here:
