Two teachers in Penang were hauled to court to face charges of intentionally injuring a student by caning him two years ago on two separate occasions.
The teachers, Choong Kean Beng and Lau Teik Hwa, both pled not guilty to the charge framed under Section 324 of the Penal Code, which provides a jail term of up to 10 years in jail, a fine, whipping, or any two of these punishments, reported Sinar Harian.
Penang teachers accused of injuring student by caning
In Magistrate’s Court 3, Choong, who is now a retiree, was accused of intentionally causing injury to a 15-year-old male student using a cane at the Discipline Room of Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Chung Hwa Confucian at 5.30pm on Dec 6, 2023.
He told Magistrate Nadratun that he understood the charge and pleaded not guilty when it was read out to him.
“My client is a pensioner and needs to care for his cancer-stricken wife. Furthermore, he was previously released on police bail in December 2023,” he said.
The prosecution offered bail at RM7,000 with one surety, while Choong’s lawyer Mahendran appealed for a lower amount.
Bail was set at RM6,000 with one surety and Choong and his family was ordered to not disturb the victim or witnesses while the case is ongoing. Case mention was set for Nov 4.
Meanwhile, in Magistrate’s Court 2, Lau was accused of committing the same offense at the same location towards the victim at 4pm on Aug 2, 2023.
Like Choong, Lau also told the court he understood the charge and entered a not guilty plea when it was read out to him before Magistrate Muhammad Amzar.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Nur Farahin Ahmad proposed a RM4,000 bail with one surety, while Lau’s lawyer Koay Ee Teng requested for a lower amount, citing that his client needed to care for his three children.
The court granted bail at RM3,000 with one surety and ordered Lau not to disturb the victim until the case concludes.
Case mention was fixed on Nov 11 for document submission.
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