Penang Education Dept to probe allegation that teacher slapped, pinched SPM candidate

The allegations went viral on social media following a post by the student’s parents, who appealed to Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek to look into the incident involving their child, a student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Penanti in Kubang Semang. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

First Published: Saturday, 14 Nov 2026 10:37 AM MYT

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 14 — The Penang State Education Department is investigating allegations that a teacher repeatedly slapped and pinched an Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidate, causing bruises, and verbally humiliated the student at a school here.

Penang Education Department director Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad said the department received a complaint regarding the incident and instructed the District Education Office to conduct an investigation and submit recommendations on further action and resolution.

“The district education office also met with the student and the student’s family this evening. The department will extend its full cooperation to the authorities involved in this matter,” he told Bernama when contacted last night.

The allegations went viral on social media following a post by the student’s parents, who appealed to Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek to look into the incident involving their child, a student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Penanti in Kubang Semang here.

According to the post, the student was allegedly slapped and pinched repeatedly, resulting in bruises, and verbally humiliated by a teacher for failing to achieve good results in the Principles of Accounting subject.

The student’s parents also claimed that the incident had affected their child’s self-confidence, causing the student to become afraid of attending school and express reluctance to sit for the SPM examination, which is scheduled to begin next week.

Mohamad Dziauddin said the department’s immediate priority was to provide socio-emotional counselling and support to the student to help with preparations for the examination.

He also urged all parties to work together in supporting the development of a safe educational environment for both students and teachers, particularly as 2026 SPM candidates enter the final stage of their examination preparations.

He said everyone’s support was important in ensuring that a positive atmosphere and perception of the education system were maintained. — Bernama