A disturbing wave of sexual misconduct allegations involving schoolteachers across Terengganu, Johor and Negeri Sembilan has thrust national child safeguarding protocols back into the spotlight.
PETALING JAYA: Sexual misconduct allegations involving teachers across several states have triggered renewed alarm over child safety in schools, with experts warning that any delay or scepticism in handling such claims could endanger vulnerable students.
Former Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir said educators occupy a position of trust and authority, and any allegation of abuse demands immediate protection of the child alongside swift reporting to the authorities.
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Salim said cases involving educators accused of abusing positions of authority and trust present complex challenges, but stressed that the foremost duty of schools and professionals is to safeguard the child and ensure immediate reporting to the relevant authorities.
“A child’s allegation that he or she has been sexually abused by school personnel who are in a position of authority and trust presents significant challenges,” he said.
He added that there is often a tendency to doubt allegations made by pupils, particularly those who may have academic struggles or disciplinary issues.
However, he stressed that personal sentiments and assumptions must never override child protection obligations.
“Regardless of individual or personal sentiments, when a child alleges and reports sexual abuse within or outside the school setting involving school staff, it is the incumbent duty of professionals to protect the child by alerting the family and reporting the incident to enforcement authorities.”
Salim said Malaysia already has comprehensive laws to prosecute sexual offences against children, including provisions under the Penal Code and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
He added that the Evidence of Child Witness Act 2024 has further strengthened the legal process for young victims. He said one of the major barriers in the past was the fear experienced by children when required to confront alleged abusers in court.
However, he added that current procedures now allow child victims to testify via video link, without having to face the accused in person.
He added that recorded statements taken during investigations may now also be admissible in court, subject to evidential requirements.
“The Social Welfare Department is also engaged to provide comfort and support to victims undergoing trauma, while legal companions are appointed to guide young victims through court procedures and processes,” he said.
His remarks come amid a string of recent cases involving alleged sexual misconduct by teachers which have raised public concern over child safety in schools.
In Setiu, Terengganu, a teacher has been transferred to a district education office while authorities investigate allegations of sexual misconduct that were widely shared on social media.
The Terengganu Education Department also urged the public with information on sexual misconduct cases to come forward and assist investigations.
In Johor, a male teacher accused of sexual misconduct involving a 12-year-old pupil was arrested and remanded for six days after the victim’s mother lodged a police report.
In another case in Seremban, a 42-year-old teacher was charged in the Sessions Court with five counts of sexual assault involving her 14- year-old male student. The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges.
