By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, May 16: A civil lawsuit filed by the family of a six-year-old girl with special needs against an education centre in Batu Kawa has been resolved amicably in court, nearly a year after the alleged incident sparked public outrage.
The case stemmed from a June 18, 2024 incident in which the girl, then four years old, was allegedly assaulted by a teacher during after-school care.
The centre, which caters to children with special needs, became the subject of both criminal and civil proceedings following the revelation of CCTV footage that the family claims showed the child being struck, pulled by the hair, and handled roughly.
In today’s development, both the education centre and the teacher involved have issued public apologies and agreed to compensate the child and her mother as part of a court-mediated settlement.
A statement dated May 9, 2025 from the principal of the centre described the conduct as “gravely inappropriate and unacceptable,” acknowledging the emotional and physical impact on the child and her family.
The principal confirmed that immediate action had been taken following the incident, including the dismissal of the teacher and an internal review of the centre’s child protection protocols.
The teacher has also issued a separate apology, admitting to her conduct and expressing deep remorse for the harm caused. She stated her commitment to accountability and personal growth following the incident.
Legal representatives for the child and her mother included Russell Lim, Brendan Ting, and Lai Eddy, while the education centre, its principal, and the teacher were represented by counsels Muhammad Zharif and Zaharah Malim.
The girl’s mother, Mrs Law, previously recounted discovering facial swelling on her daughter after picking her up from the centre.
Although initially told the child had fallen, Mrs Law requested to review CCTV footage, which allegedly revealed signs of abuse. – DayakDaily
