Johor caning row: Teacher to undergo counselling

The teacher who was criticised for caning his student will undergo counselling by the Johor education department. 

State cabinet member in charge of education, Aminolhuda Hassan, said the Bahasa Malaysia teacher was reputable and well-liked among students. 

”Perhaps he was upset over the insult. The student (who was caned) said something inappropriate,” said Aminolhuda, who met the teacher, student and her mother today. 

Both the teacher and the student apologised to each other and shook hands during the meeting held at the Johor education department headquarters in Johor Bahru. 

As for the student, Aminolhuda said no action will be taken against her.

He explained that the student was not fluent in Bahasa Malaysia. 

”I asked the teacher to treat her like his own child. The teacher agreed. 

”We will give her another chance and the support necessary to continue her studies. I have instructed that she be counselled and continue to train as a school volleyball player,” he said. 

Aminolhuda said the student was from a less privileged family and he has advised the student affairs senior teacher to pay extra attention. 

Earlier this week, the student's mother uploaded a video of her confronting the teacher for caning her daughter. Her daughter had developed bruises and welts from the ordeal. 

In the video, the teacher had justified his action by claiming the student hurled insults at him. 

Earlier, Aminolhuda issued a press release to state that both parties had resolved the matter amicably. 

He also reminded students to act professionally and keep their emotions in check. 

”To ensure that a fair solution is realised, the department cannot put aside existing regulations. It also has to take into account the welfare of both the teacher and the student. 

”The department takes this incident seriously because it involves the credibility of the teaching profession and the development of the student, in line with the aspirations of the Education Ministry," he said.  - Mkini