The Penang Education Department has stepped in to protect a Year Six pupil after allegations that a teacher assaulted the child at a school in George Town. Department director Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad confirmed the teacher has been separated from the pupil as a protective and preventive measure.
The northeast district education office investigated the complaint and took follow-up action based on its findings. A consultation session involving the pupil’s parents, the district education office, the school administration and the Parent-Teacher Association was held to discuss the welfare of those involved, NST reported.
The pupil has been referred to the school’s guidance and counselling teacher for support and intervention. The teacher, meanwhile, has been referred to the district education office’s organisational counsellor for guidance and support.
Dziauddin said the department was aware the pupil’s parents had raised concerns about the handling of the case and remained open to further discussions with them. He stressed that student safety and welfare would continue to be a priority while ensuring every action was taken fairly and in accordance with established procedures.
“We will continue to ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of pupils remain a priority, while maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in accordance with the regulations in force,” he added.
The case came to light after Penang MCA highlighted that the pupil’s mother was dissatisfied with the initial response to her complaints. The party released a statement from the parents’ lawyer saying the alleged incident occurred on 19 June after the pupil performed a Yasin recitation during a school assembly.
The teacher allegedly criticised the performance in front of the class and made a demeaning remark comparing the pupil’s recitation to that of a “Mualaf” (Muslim revert). The teacher was also alleged to have hit the pupil’s face and hands with a shoe, struck the left side of his face with a pencil case and thrown a book onto his desk, leaving redness on his face.
The case was reported to the school disciplinary teacher on the same day, while the pupil’s parents also lodged a police report. The department said it would continue monitoring the matter and take appropriate action based on developments and existing provisions.
