Hungry headless ghost spotted in canteen

A priest jumps over a fire at a Hungry Ghost festival in Kuala. The ritual is believed to help the spirits of the dead be sent to heaven

KUALA LUMPUR -- Sightings of a headless ghost at a Malaysian high school are scaring students away from attending classes, local media report.

The headless figure has been seen at the Senawang Secondary School library, canteen and toilet in broad daylight, Malaysia's The Star daily reported, riling students from going to school.

The timing of the sightings also coincides with the month-long Hungry Ghost festival, celebrated by Taoists who believe spirits from hell roam the land of the living during the four weeks.

Government officials blamed parents for spreading rumors and causing anxiety among the students, the report said.

State Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Zakaria Nordin said the purported sightings weren't enough to stop parents from sending their children to school.

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"I have not heard of anyone being injured from being 'mauled' by ghosts and it's safe for the children to go to school,'' he was quoted as saying by the Star.

It was normal for parents to link the sightings to the Hungry Ghost festival but they should not exaggerate the situation, Zakaria added.

During Hungry Ghost Month, Taoists are advised not to allow their children out at night for fear of bumping into evil spirits.