SIMPANG AMPAT: The Johor Baru District Education Office (PPD) has launched a probe into the case of a secondary school student who was caned by her male teacher, leaving red marks on her arms and legs, earlier this month.
Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching said the District Education Office called for a meeting today between its officers, the school and the student’s parents.
“As for the teacher in question, we have asked the Johor State Education Department (JPN) to take the necessary action.
“Any decision will only be made after today’s meeting and pending investigation.
“I, myself, am waiting for a report from the JPN and the PPD,” she said when met during her working visit to SJKT Permatang Tinggi here this morning.
Teo said she also respected any investigation carried out by the police.
She was asked to comment on the matter after a video clip of the alleged incident went viral on social media.
The video shows a woman, believed to be the girl’s mother, questioning the male teacher's actions.
Photos of the girl’s injuries have also gone viral.
Asked on the ministry’s stance on caning, Teo said there was a circular which strictly prohibited female students from being caned.
Even for male students, she said, there were procedures which needed to be adhered to.
“For example, for minor offences, the male students can only be caned on his palm, while for more serious offences, on his buttock with his clothes on.
“So, the rules are very clear, and we make it a point for all our teachers to observe the rules,” she said.
Teo also pointed out that not all teachers could cane students. Only the principal and those tasked to do so could do the caning.
On whether there was a ban imposed on caning, Teo said under the circular, it was not a complete ban, but could only be administered under strict supervision.
Meanwhile, asked on her advice for teachers, Teo said: “Education is not an easy task, but as educators we have our own responsibilities.
“As such, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik always emphasises that the ministry’s aim is to create a conducive environment with love, understanding and mutual respect.
“This is what we want to instil not only in the students but in the educators as well,
“This issue clearly shows our educators are facing challenges in controlling their emotions, and in this respect, those with such problems, we will provide them with counselling,” she said.