ALOR GAJAH: A tahfiz teacher has been remanded for seven days on suspicion of caning his pupil, leaving bruises on several parts of the boy’s body.
The remand order until September 9 against the 22-year-old ustaz was issued by judge Aiza Khairuddin at the Sessions Court here on Wednesday (September 3) to assist investigations under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
The Section provides for a prison sentence of up to 20 years, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both, if found guilty of ill-treating, neglecting or exposing a child to danger.
According to a police source, the incident came to light on Tuesday (September 2) after the 12-year-old victim shared his ordeal with his mother, who is an army personnel.
The victim also often suffered body aches as a result of repeated caning by his teacher since enrolling at the tahfiz centre in Tanjung Bidara here, two years ago.
The 42-year-old mother was also taken aback to discover bruises on several parts of her son’s body when she checked.
There were both old and new bruises on his back, thighs, arms and legs of the victim who claimed these were caused by the teacher who had caned him for various reasons and offences.
The victim's mother then decided to lodge a police report at the Masjid Tanah police station on Tuesday (September 2) before the suspect was arrested on the same day.
Acting Alor Gajah OCPD, Deputy Supt Azrul Mohamed confirmed the arrest.
