'No compromise' - Fadhlina on probe of student made to stand under sun

 

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has confirmed that her ministry is probing reports that a primary school student fell grievously ill after being made to stand under the sun for nearly three hours.

She told Malaysiakini there would be no compromise over the safety of students in the school and appropriate action would be taken based on the investigation report.

“This matter has been brought to the attention of the Education Ministry and this case is currently under investigation by the authorities.

“Appropriate action will be taken based on the authorities’ investigation report,” she said.

Yesterday, the New Straits Times reported the boy’s mother, AD Mogahana Selvi, as saying that her son suffered a heatstroke and nerve damage, and had been assessed as a person with disabilities (PWD) due to the health issues he was left with.

“The Education Ministry does not compromise with any misconduct that may affect the well-being and safety of students, teachers, and all school members.

“Therefore, schools are advised to always comply with the student management guidelines that are in force,” added Fadhlina.

On Sunday, it was reported that police have referred the investigation paper on the matter to the deputy public prosecutor’s office.

Ampang Jaya district police chief Mohd Azam Ismail said the victim’s mother alleged that her child, 11, was punished by a teacher and was told to stand in the middle of a field under the sun on April 30.

He added that investigations revealed the suspect was a local male teacher, 37, and that a medical officer’s check revealed that the victim suffered heat exhaustion.

He added that the case was being probed under Section 31 (1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 which covers the abandonment, neglect, or exposure of a child to danger that caused him/her physical or emotional injury. - Mkini