A retired teacher in Kelantan now has to pay RM88,069 in damages to a former student for an alleged assault.
This comes after the Kota Bharu High Court found Isamuddin Ismail guilty of the crime which was committed seven years ago, reported The Vibes.
Slapped student 4 times
According to the suit filed through the victim’s mother, the assault took place at 10.30am on Jan 28, 2019, when Mohamad Adam was 14.
While he was at his desk with classmates, Isamuddin approached him from behind and slapped him four times across his face and cheeks.
As a result, Mohamad Adam experienced facial and ear pain, dizziness, reduced hearing and ringing in his ears.
He was then taken to Berek 12 Health Clinic by his mother before he was referred to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian for specialist treatment.
Lasting trauma
According to a 2019 medical report, it found that Mohamad Adam had hearing problems in his right ear, including mild to moderate mixed hearing loss diagnosed as trauma-related injuries caused by the slapping.
He was also deeply traumitised by the incident and refused to return to school before transferring to another school about a month later.
His mother told reporters that it took about two to three years for her son, now 21, to recover from the trauma.
She added that her son’s experience also left her feeling worried for the safety of other children and urged teachers to not resort to violence.
Ordered to pay RM88k
Following the court’s decision to allow the civil suit to be filed, Judge Mohd Rosli Yusoff ordered Isamuddin to pay RM45,000 in general damages, RM569 in special damages, RM11,250 in exemplary damages and RM11,250 in aggravated damages, together with RM20,000 in interest and costs.
This brings the total amount to RM88,069.
Aside from Isamuddin, the school principal, the Director-General of Education and the Malaysian Government were also named as defendants.
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