Ex-teacher fined RM2,000 for kicking pupil in face

In the Kuala Krai Magistrates’ Court, a former Quran and Fardu Ain teacher named Abdullah Mustakim was fined RM2,000 for violently striking a Year 5 pupil in the face, resulting in injuries to the student's gums. Magistrate Rais Imran Hamid handed down the maximum fine, which equates to a four-month jail sentence if unpaid, after Abdullah admitted guilt to causing hurt intentionally in a classroom at a Kuala Krai school around 2:30 pm on October 23, 2024.

Abdullah, who is 33 years old, was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which outlines penalties that include up to one year in prison, a maximum fine of RM2,000, or both upon conviction. The prosecutor in the case was Mazlinda Mohd Nor from the Public Prosecutor's Office. Abdullah, now employed as a laborer earning RM1,000 per month, supports his wife and three young children. He was represented by lawyer Farazalila Fauzi from the National Legal Aid Foundation.

The incident occurred when the pupil's mother was at a night market around 5:15 pm on the day of the event. The mother was informed by her son that Abdullah had kicked him in the face during a class at the school.