In this day and age on the internet, you can find lots of “challenges” which can range from those that actually make sense and are for a good cause to those that are downright crazy and dangerous. You know the ones we mean! Now, another “challenge” that emerged in 2016 known as the “24-hour challenge” has surfaced in Malaysia when two Form 5 students tried out this challenge.
According to Sinchew and Guangming, the two teens arrived at IKEA Batu Kawan in Penang on March 28 around 8pm but when closing time came at 10pm, they hid in some cupboards to avoid being detected and when the coast was clear, they came out from their hiding places. IKEA says their CCTV footage shows the teens walking along to the various other display areas while taking photos and videos along the way.
They were caught at 6.40am the next morning, when security guards found them roaming around and the incident was reported to the IKEA security manager. The teens admitted that they did the challenge because they wanted to “show off their courage in staying overnight in IKEA and their ability to avoid the security guards.” So pandai!
The case has been referred to the police and they confirmed the incident. The two 17-year-old students, who are classmates, were arrested and had to stay in the lockup overnight until they were brought to court. The police are currently investigating this case under Section 447 of the Penal Code and if found guilty, the teens could be sentenced to a maximum of six months in jail or up to RM3,000 fine or both. See, kena kantoi already!
Apparently, the trend started in 2016 after Belgian YouTubers Bakuna Fatata filmed themselves sleeping over in IKEA and sparked the online craze with an aptly named video entitled “Two Idiots At Night in IKEA.”
Simply put, this challenge encourages people to hide in department stores or shopping centres for 24 hours without getting caught. They would usually go in the stores before closing time and hide somewhere to avoid detection before roaming around the store for as long as possible or until the store opens the next day, The Sun UK explained.
However, this challenge is actually pretty dangerous, because when these youngsters are trying to build “forts”, heavy items can easily fall and crush someone. This can cause serious injuries and there is also the risk of electrical faults and fires because when they are fooling around, they might trigger something else. Since parents are not usually informed of these harebrained challenges, they could get really worried and even lodge police reports when their children go missing.
There are wayyyy better things to do with your time than by doing stupid challenges like this which can get you in trouble with the law! Think properly next time before following these kinds of challenges!
Also read: IKEA Penang’s Showrooms Destroyed by M’sians Just 2 Weeks after Opening