SHAH ALAM, Aug 19 — State executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah today warned the state would not tolerate sexual harassment at religious schools.
Referring to a recent incident where a teacher sexually assaulted a student, he said the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) and the school have taken action.
“Schools must be firm and implement a no-compromise policy,” he stressed.
Earlier, media reports said JAIS is investigating a sexual harassment case at a private religious school registered under the department.
Fahmi said he hopes police investigate the matter and punish the perpetrator accordingly.
“I am confident JAIS will take appropriate action under existing laws … including by reviewing the school’s registration status,” he said.
He added that the state government regrets that teachers are inflicting sexual harm on students.
“It is even more unfortunate that this happened at religious schools where teachers should not only be educators, but more importantly, guardians of students who are growing physically, mentally and emotionally,” he said.
Fahmi added that JAIS is open to receiving complaints about sexual harassment incidents involving students living in dormitories.
“Proper legal action would be pursued immediately and there will be no tolerance for any offender. Schools should be a safe place for our children,” he said.
