This Recent Punishment By A School Was Deemed "Too Harsh" By Parents

Following the widespread sharing of photos of students sitting on the tarred road in a school compound on social media, parents of these students have complained that their children did not deserve such punishment from the school authorities.

It is believed that the incident took place at SMK Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

"When I asked why the students were treated in that way, the principal stated that students who were late had to be isolated from other students."

"The principal then said that since there was not enough space during the school assembly, they had no other choice but to sit on the road," the relative was quoted as saying by Malay daily Harian Metro.

"The principal said, they (students) have also been instructed to bring the plastic coverings should they be late to school."

"I asked whether there was any other way than sitting on the road because the students wear the same clothes for prayer, fearing that they may sit on dirt and others."

"But the principal seemed to be insinuating when he said that parents can donate more than 1,000 chairs to ensure that their children can sit on the benches during assembly."

"The principal should have exercised discretion when it comes to disciplining students."

"The psychological and emotional aspects of students should be taken into account instead of just focusing on imposing punishments and so on," he told Harian Metro.

He said students should be warned in advance and they should not continue to be treated as such.