The Penang Gerakan Public Complaints Bureau has called on the Penang Education Department (JPNPP) to investigate an allegation that a nine-year-old boy was physically assaulted by his teacher at a Chinese national-type primary school (SJKC) in the Barat Daya district.
Its chief, Andrew Ooi, said the bureau received a complaint about the incident on Sept 8, with the pupil allegedly suffering bruising on the left side of his back and left arm.
“When a nine-year-old child claims to have suffered physical bruising following an incident involving a teacher, it cannot simply be treated as an ordinary disciplinary issue. The Penang Education Department needs to investigate whether the allegations are true,” he said at a press conference today.
Ooi acknowledged that teachers have a responsibility to discipline pupils, but stressed that disciplinary measures must be carried out within reasonable limits and through appropriate methods.
He said physical violence should never be used out of anger, stress or a loss of control.
“Children can be mischievous, break rules and make mistakes. They are in school to learn, receive guidance and grow. However, disciplinary action should not result in a child being injured or bruised,” he said.
Ooi also stressed that the incident should not be used as a reason to punish or blame the wider teaching community.
He noted that teachers themselves face various pressures, including heavy workloads, administrative responsibilities and the challenges of managing classrooms.
Instead, he said the Education Ministry should take a broader look at the issue by strengthening the education system, particularly in the areas of prevention and early intervention.
Meanwhile, JPNPP director Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad confirmed to Utusan Malaysia that his department had received a report concerning the alleged incident.
“Yes, we have received the report. It is under my knowledge,” he said briefly.
