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A retired teacher has been ordered by the Kota Bharu High Court to pay a student RM88,069 for slapping him four times during a classroom lesson seven years ago
According to the New Straits Times, High Court judge Datuk Mohd Rosli Yusoff ruled that Isamuddin Ismail, 63, committed battery against the victim, Mohamad Adam Maidin, who is now 21.
The incident occurred on 28 January 2019 when Adam was a 14-year-old Form Two student.
At the time, Adam was allegedly seated at his desk with his classmates when Isamuddin approached him from behind and slapped him four times.
The slaps allegedly caused Adam to experience pain in his face and both ears, as well as dizziness, reduced hearing, and ringing in his ears.
A medical report dated June 2019 found that Adam had suffered traumatic injuries, including mild to moderate mixed hearing loss and hearing problems in his right ear.
A month after the incident, Adam transferred to another school as he was afraid to return and face the teacher
Adam's lawyer said the RM88,069 award was broken down as follows:
• RM45,000 in general damages
• RM569 in special damages
• RM11,250 in exemplary damages
• RM11,250 in aggravated damages
• RM20,000 in interest and costs
The lawsuit named four defendants:
• the teacher, Isamuddin Ismail
• the school's principal
• the education director-general
• the Malaysian government
Adam and his mother, Noor Azleen Mohamad, 47, initiated the lawsuit and were represented by lawyer Mohd Syukran Mohd Noordin. The defendants were represented by senior federal counsel Siti Syakimah Ibrahim.
