KOTA KINABALU: The teacher accused of cutting off a student's headscarf at a secondary school in Lahad Datu last Friday (Jan 16) has been transferred to another school.
Sabah State Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin said the action was taken through the Lahad Datu District Education Office.
"The teacher has apologised to the student's parents, and the Lahad Datu District Education Office has transferred the teacher to another school while the student remains at that school.
"The teacher also replaced the student's headscarf that was cut off," he said when contacted by Sinar Harian on Monday (Jan 19).
He said this when asked about the viral issue of a teacher allegedly cutting off a student's headscarf because it was considered too short.
Raisin called on teachers to be prudent in their actions and consider parents' ability to provide for their children's schooling needs.
"At the same time, I also advise students to always comply with the rules set by the school.
"All regulations implemented are based on the guidelines of the Education Ministry, which aim to benefit students.
"I also hope this doesn't happen in other schools," he stressed.
Sinar Harian on Saturday (Jan 17) reported on the viral issue, in which some parents expressed dissatisfaction with the teacher's actions.
According to the viral post, the incident occurred on Friday, the fifth day of the 2026 school session.
According to the allegations in the post, several female students had their hijabs cut off because they were not long enough.
However, the action was described as embarrassing and had an emotional impact on the students.
Parents also expressed disappointment in the post, claiming the action was inappropriate, damaging to property and offensive to students.
