GEORGE TOWN: The authority to cane students has never been abolished by the Education Ministry.
This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid in reply to Azmi Alang (PN-Telok Ayer Tawar) at the Penang state assembly yesterday, who had asked whether the right to cane students should be restored to teachers.
Mohamad said the implementation was guided by Circular (SPI) No. 7 of 2003 on teachers’ authority to cane students.
“According to the circular, only headmasters, principals or teachers with written authority may administer corporal punishment, and only for serious disciplinary offences.
“The punishment must be carried out prudently, in private, not excessively, and to educate and shape the student’s character, and not to abuse or humiliate them,” he said.
The state education committee chairman said the department was aware of the perception that serious student offences were not dealt with immediately.
“Once a complaint is received, immediate action will be taken by the school, with each case undergoing a detailed investigation to ensure justice for all parties involved, including victims, perpetrators and witnesses,” he said.
