Man Fined RM10,000 For Caning Stepson Who Didn't Know How To Answer Maths Homework
The issue came to light when a nurse at school noticed bruises on the student's body.
By May Vin Ang — 25 Oct 2023, 02:55 PM
A Malaysian man was fined RM10,000 by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court yesterday, 24 October, for causing injuries to his six-year-old stepson over his Mathematics homework
According to Bernama, the 38-year-old nasi lemak seller was charged for caning the boy at their home in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur at 6am on 23 June.
The court heard that the victim was up at 5am to help his mother and stepfather prepare nasi lemak prior to doing his homework. When he was unable to answer some questions, the victim was scolded and beaten by the accused with a cane.
Harian Metro reported that the issue came to light when a visiting nurse from Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Lumpur noticed bruises on the student's arm during a vaccination programme at the school.
The issue was reported to the student's class teacher and the Social Welfare Department (JKM), who took him to see a doctor.
It was determined that the victim suffered soft tissue injuries to his arms, back, and legs as a result of the caning.
The charge was framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2021 for exposing a child to physical injury
The charge carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both.
Judge Norina Zainol Abidin handed down the RM10,000 sentence after the stepfather pleaded guilty to the charge.
She ordered the accused to serve six months in jail if he failed to pay the fine.
The court also ordered the man to be placed on a five-year good behaviour bond, undergo parenting counselling organised by JKM, and carry out 200 hours of community service within six months.
The accused's lawyer, Arik Zakri Abdul Kadir, had pleaded for leniency as the man needed to support his wife, who is four months pregnant
However, deputy public prosecutor Noorhani Muhmmed Ayub asked the court to impose a deterrent sentence against the accused to teach him a lesson and to prevent other parents from committing the same offence.
"The 'father' title does not give you permission to hit the victim in order to discipline him. The boy should not have been beaten in such a manner for failing to answer Mathematics questions.
"The victim needs a father's love because his mother and biological father are divorced," said Noorhani.
