KLANG, Sept 26 — A religious teacher was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Sessions Court here today on four counts of mistreating three boys by caning them and kneeling on the chest of one of the victims, at two schools linked to GISB Holdings (GISBH).
Judge Noridah Adam handed down the sentence on Muhammad Barur Rahim Hisam, 23, after he pleaded guilty to the four charges.
He was sentenced to two years in prison each for the first and second charges, and three years’ imprisonment each for the third and fourth charges, served consecutively, making a total of 10 years, from the date of his arrest, which was September 11.
The court also ordered that the accused be placed on a good behaviour bond for five years with a surety of RM10,000, and if he fails to comply with the bond, to be jailed for six months.
On the first and second counts, Barur, also warden at the schools, was charged with abusing two boys aged 11 and 10 under his care by caning them.
The charges were framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of RM50,000, or both.
The court, in addition to the punishment specified, orders the person convicted to execute a bond with sureties to be of good behaviour for such a period as the court thinks fit along with any conditions and if the bond conditions are not complied with, can be fined not more than RM10,000 or imprisoned for a maximum of five years or both.
For the third and fourth counts, Barur was charged under the same law for abusing a 10-year-old boy by kneeing his chest and caning him.
Deputy public prosecutor Datin Kalmizah Salleh requested a heavy sentence as a lesson to the accused and the general public not to commit similar offences.
“The actions of the accused are inhuman. The accused has committed an offence that has an element of violence… It is also necessary to take into account the accused’s relationship with the child. The accused is the caretaker of the premises at the dormitory where the victims attend school.
“As a result of the accused’s action, the victims are traumatised to continue their studies at any school. The prosecution also requests that the punishment imposed on the accused be served consecutively,” said Kalmizah, who prosecuted the case with deputy public prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin.
During mitigation, Barur, unrepresented, said he is single, has repented, and is supporting his parents.
On September 16, police began an investigation after a video went viral showing a boy groaning in pain, believed because the suspect was kneeing his chest and neck.
Police then mounted Op Global, in which 572 children have been rescued.
— Bernama
