A primary school teacher who allegedly molested nine students in a Tamil school in Hulu Selangor has been transferred to another school.
The alleged incidents took place earlier this year and came to light when a Year 5 pupil reported the misconduct to another teacher.
The accused teacher had apparently been molesting the pupil for several months and nine pupils altogether have been identified as victims.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the teacher has been moved and is being closely “monitored” by the district and state education officers.
“The ministry is working closely with the police to resolve the case according to the law,” he said.
Mahdzir goes on to say that between 2010 and October this year, a total of 15 reports of teachers molesting students were made at district and state education offices, including the ministry.
He gave assurance that all the teachers involved have been transferred to other schools and have been subjected to counselling and close monitoring.
“Disciplinary action against them is determined in the courts.”
Netizens, however, were less than convinced that transferring the alleged offenders was an effective deterrent. They questioned whether it is fair to expose more students to a potential predator.
But according to education director-general Tan Sri Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof, this is a standard operating procedure that is fair to all parties involved.
“We must ensure that natural justice prevails. It has to be ensured that there is no element of malicious intent and we must be firm of the prima facie of any allegations,” he said when contacted yesterday.
“Until the investigations are completed, we cannot create a situation where someone is seen to be guilty before being proven to be guilty.”
These investigations are carried out by the respective schools, the district education office, state education department and the ministry itself.
What do you think, parents? Are you comfortable with sending your child to school with a teacher that has been accused of molestation but not found guilty yet?
