Teacher accused of molesting female students in ‘haunted house’: The consequences must be severe, authorities told
By Bernie Yeo
THE recent case involving a male teacher accused of molesting two Primary Six students inside a ‘haunted house’ attraction at a school in Melaka is deeply troubling and entirely unacceptable, said Beliawanis MCA.
Its national chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen urged the relevant authorities to act decisively in this case to ensure justice is served and steps are taken to prevent such violations in the future.
“Efforts must be intensified to address the systemic issues contributing to the prevalence of sexual crimes, including enhanced background checks, continuous professional monitoring, and fostering a culture of accountability in all sectors,” she emphasised.
“Additionally, the two victims’ courage in coming forward must serve as a reminder that victims should always be believed and supported when they raise their voices.”
Low further noted that the incident was not isolated as it involved two students, and therefore it must not be treated as a misunderstanding.
“Furthermore, the teacher, who holds a position of trust and responsibility in shaping and nurturing young minds, has pleaded not guilty,” she remarked.
“Meanwhile, reports indicated that drugs were found in his system. This betrayal of trust is not only shocking but also reflective of a broader crisis requiring urgent attention. Teachers are supposed to nurture our children, not put them in harm’s way.”
Low stressed that the consequences must be severe and that a simple transfer is not enough, adding that the male teacher must face the repercussions of his actions.
“He has directly harmed primary school children during an activity that should have been one filled with entertainment. Every child has the right to feel safe, especially in environments designed to educate and empower them,” she said.
Reiterating its call for the government to initiate a Mandatory Reporting and Whistleblower Protection Act, she said the legal framework should be strengthened to require all adults, particularly those in position of trust, to report suspected child abuse.
“Malaysia is facing a worrying rise in sexual crime cases, and incidents such as this highlight the pressing need for stricter legal actions to deter such behaviour,” Low continued.
“Teachers and other authority figures entrusted with the care of children must be held to the highest standards. The safety and well-being of our children must never be compromised under any circumstances.”
On Jan 9, Melaka acting police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Md Nazri Zawawi told the media that the two victims came out crying and shaken after they were invited to experience the haunted house, created in conjunction with the school’s carnival.
He said the two were invited into the haunted house by the accused to get the eerie feeling during the dry run before allegedly caressing both their private parts and chests.
SAC Md Nazri said the two terrified victims quickly ran to the headmistress’s office after their traumatic experience at 10am on Wednesday (Jan 8).
The victims began crying and shivering when narrating their ordeals to the headmistress.
The accused was also allegedly found positive for drugs during a screening conducted after he was detained on the same day.
The accused, who is a father of three, pleaded not guilty. – Jan 15, 2025
THE recent case involving a male teacher accused of molesting two Primary Six students inside a ‘haunted house’ attraction at a school in Melaka is deeply troubling and entirely unacceptable, said Beliawanis MCA.
Its national chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen urged the relevant authorities to act decisively in this case to ensure justice is served and steps are taken to prevent such violations in the future.
“Efforts must be intensified to address the systemic issues contributing to the prevalence of sexual crimes, including enhanced background checks, continuous professional monitoring, and fostering a culture of accountability in all sectors,” she emphasised.
“Additionally, the two victims’ courage in coming forward must serve as a reminder that victims should always be believed and supported when they raise their voices.”
Low further noted that the incident was not isolated as it involved two students, and therefore it must not be treated as a misunderstanding.
“Furthermore, the teacher, who holds a position of trust and responsibility in shaping and nurturing young minds, has pleaded not guilty,” she remarked.
“Meanwhile, reports indicated that drugs were found in his system. This betrayal of trust is not only shocking but also reflective of a broader crisis requiring urgent attention. Teachers are supposed to nurture our children, not put them in harm’s way.”
Low stressed that the consequences must be severe and that a simple transfer is not enough, adding that the male teacher must face the repercussions of his actions.
“He has directly harmed primary school children during an activity that should have been one filled with entertainment. Every child has the right to feel safe, especially in environments designed to educate and empower them,” she said.
Reiterating its call for the government to initiate a Mandatory Reporting and Whistleblower Protection Act, she said the legal framework should be strengthened to require all adults, particularly those in position of trust, to report suspected child abuse.
“Malaysia is facing a worrying rise in sexual crime cases, and incidents such as this highlight the pressing need for stricter legal actions to deter such behaviour,” Low continued.
“Teachers and other authority figures entrusted with the care of children must be held to the highest standards. The safety and well-being of our children must never be compromised under any circumstances.”
On Jan 9, Melaka acting police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Md Nazri Zawawi told the media that the two victims came out crying and shaken after they were invited to experience the haunted house, created in conjunction with the school’s carnival.
He said the two were invited into the haunted house by the accused to get the eerie feeling during the dry run before allegedly caressing both their private parts and chests.
SAC Md Nazri said the two terrified victims quickly ran to the headmistress’s office after their traumatic experience at 10am on Wednesday (Jan 8).
The victims began crying and shivering when narrating their ordeals to the headmistress.
The accused was also allegedly found positive for drugs during a screening conducted after he was detained on the same day.
The accused, who is a father of three, pleaded not guilty. – Jan 15, 2025
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