BUKIT MERTAJAM: Police have opened an investigation paper into the alleged abuse of an autistic child by a school teacher.
The investigation paper was opened under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt. The offence carries a maximum of one-year imprisonment or a maximum fine of RM2,000 or both upon conviction.
Seberang Perai Tengah police chief Assistant Commissioner Tan Cheng San said police received a report from the mother of the 7-year-old autistic child on July 19 at the Seberang Jaya police station.
He said the initial investigations showed that the autistic child, a pupil of a special education school in Seberang Jaya, had acted aggressively in class, scaring other pupils and leaving them crying in the 9.30am incident on July 19.
"A female teacher, in her 30s, approached the child and covered her ears in an attempt to calm her down.
"As a result of the teacher's action, the child sustained bruises on both ears and was sent to Bukit Mertajam Hospital for treatment," he said today.
Tan said police had opened an investigation paper after the child's mother lodged a report.
"Investigations are ongoing. We urge the people to stop making the incident viral as it could cause confusion and anxiety among the people."
A Facebook user, who goes by the name of Mona Din, posted several photos purportedly showing the special needs child's bruised ears.
She claimed on WhatsApp that a Facebook friend informed her that her grandchild, a special education pupil, had her ears twisted by a teacher until they turned blue and black.