KUCHING: Sarawak Education director Rakayah Madon has expressed her dismay over the case of a primary school teacher here who is accused of twice raping a Form Two student.
“It is a teacher’s duty to educate and lead students to a brighter future, and not to destroy it. If the allegation is proven true, the teacher crossed the line.
“Although this is an isolated case, we are taking it seriously. We have urged the school’s management and teachers to keep an eye on their colleagues and the students.
“(Educators) shouldn’t ignore or be afraid to report if (they) feel something suspicious is happening at school, be it among teachers or students.
“Besides teaching, (educators) must be alert to students’ emotions, especially when they go absent without (good) reason or behave strangely,” she said when contacted.
Rakayah said a strong collaboration between school administrators and parents could also prevent such incidents from happening.
“Parents must play their role as well, and always listen to their children even when they are complaining about small matters at school,” she said.
On Tuesday, a 51-year-old primary school teacher from Siburan was arrested for allegedly raping a 14-year-old twice in his car.
It was reported that the suspect became the victim’s “adoptive father” three years ago.
Sources said the victim’s parents were acquainted with the teacher, but were shocked to learn that he had taken advantage of their daughter.
Rakayah said there are cases when teachers “adopt” students with a sincere heart to help and care for them.
“Not all relationships (of this nature are unhealthy). I know many teachers who really want to help the students they ‘adopt’,” she said, without touching on whether or not such relationships should be banned.
“Most importantly, parents must monitor their children all the time,” Rakayah added.
The suspect has been remanded and the case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for statutory rape, which carries a maximum 30 years’ jail sentence and caning upon conviction.