Allegedly struck with shoe and pencil case: Penang Education Dept steps in after 12-year-old cries assault by teacher in class

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 23 — The Penang Education Department has taken precautionary steps to protect a 12-year-old boy while investigating a complaint that he was allegedly assaulted by a teacher at a school in the Northeast district.

The department said the teacher no longer has direct contact with the pupil, who has also been referred to the school’s Guidance and Counselling teacher for appropriate support and intervention, Harian Metro reported today.

“As a protective and preventive measure, the teacher no longer has direct interaction with the pupil,” Penang Education Department director Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad was quoted as saying.

He said the Northeast Penang District Education Office was conducting the investigation and would take further action based on its findings.

A consultation involving the boy’s family, district education officials, school administrators and the Parent-Teacher Association has also been held to discuss follow-up measures and the welfare of those involved.

The teacher has been referred to the district education office’s organisational counsellor for guidance and support.

Mohamad Dziauddin said the boy’s family had raised several concerns about how the case was handled, with the state education department remaining open to further discussions.

“The safety, welfare and well-being of pupils will be given priority, while a safe and conducive learning environment will always be maintained in line with the prevailing regulations,” he was quoted as saying.

He said the department would also safeguard the teacher’s rights by ensuring that any action taken was fair, appropriate and in accordance with established procedures.

“The Penang Education Department will continue to monitor the matter and take appropriate action based on developments and the prevailing regulations,” he added.

The case arose from a complaint lodged by the boy’s 35-year-old mother with MCA Penang Public Services and Complaints Bureau chief Lim Swee Bok, who brought the allegation to public attention yesterday.

Lim said the boy was allegedly hit by the teacher after a reading performance during a school assembly on June 19, with the teacher allegedly criticising his performance in front of his class.

The mother subsequently lodged a police report at the Northeast District Police Headquarters over the alleged incident.