Slap incident: Education Ministry met students’ parents

SHAH ALAM - The Education Ministry held a meeting with the parents of the two under 14-year-old Melaka volleyball players who made headlines when they were recently slapped by their coach after a tournament.

Health Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry would not compromise violence being used toward students.

“We are concerned about the issue, our priority is the safety and welfare of the students.

“We have met the parents, received feedbacks and we will not compromise on violence against students,” she said.

Fadhlina said this when met by reporters after she visited SMK Jalan Kebun in conjunction with today's first day of school.

When asked whether the ministry would take legal action against the parties involved, Fadhlina said the ministry had yet to decide on the incident.

She said actions taken would be based on the ongoing integrity and disciplinary report.

"We are still investigating. Just because there were no police reports lodged, it does not mean we won't investigate, we have our own integrity and discipline division.

“Our next course of action will be based on the report, which we will look into as a whole.

“Not only from the feedback of the parents but other stakeholders as well. There are many stakeholders involved in this case," she said.

On the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) in schools, Fadhlina said it depended on the orders set by the Health Ministry from time to time.

"We will obey all orders from the Health Ministry, especially those involving schools and related to the safety of our students," she said.