BAYAN LEPAS — The Education Ministry is investigating a case involving a teacher in Johor Bahru who was remanded for allegedly sending lewd content to a female colleague.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry took the matter seriously and would not compromise on sexual misconduct in schools.
“We do not compromise on any form of crime, especially sexual crimes,” she told reporters after a smartboard handover ceremony at SMK Bayan Lepas.
“As I’ve said many times — you touch, you go. We are conducting a full investigation in accordance with existing guidelines and procedures.”
Fadhlina said the ministry had consistently affirmed its zero-tolerance stance and would continue to do so.
When asked whether the teacher would face charges upon release from remand, she said it was too early to say.
“We cannot say yet that he won’t be charged,” she said.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the secondary school teacher had been remanded until next Tuesday to assist in investigations under Section 15(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday after a colleague lodged a police report over his alleged inappropriate behaviour.
The report also claimed the teacher had been seen acting intimately with female students and had sent lewd content via a link to his colleague.
In a separate matter, Fadhlina praised state education departments for supporting the rollout of Jalur Gemilang badges on school uniforms, which is set to begin in stages from April 21.
She said the move aimed to nurture patriotism and respect for the national flag among schoolchildren.
“It is a commitment by the Education Ministry that must be implemented so that the patriotic spirit can be instilled from school age,” she said. — April 18, 2025