Police have opened an investigation into allegations that a seven-year-old boy was forced to drink chilli water by a teacher at a childcare centre in Taman Sri Kluang, Kluang, an incident which has gone viral on social media.
Kluang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Bahrin Mohd Noh said a police report was lodged at 8.46pm yesterday by the child’s father, who was dissatisfied with the alleged treatment of his son.
He said the incident is believed to have taken place on May 20 at the premises of the childcare centre, where the boy was allegedly forced to consume chilli water in the kitchen area.
The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Police confirmed that no arrests have been made as investigations are still ongoing.
The case gained attention after allegations surfaced on social media that the child was also punished by being made to stand naked in front of other children for failing to sleep during nap time.
It was further alleged that the boy’s trousers were pulled down to his ankles and he was made to wear a skirt as part of the punishment.
There were also claims that the teacher warned the child and other pupils not to inform their parents, under threat of being beaten.
