Amid reports of physical and sexual abuse of students, Jais says he will not hesitate to shut down private Islamic schools if they are found guilty

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — Selangor’s Department of Islamic Religion (Jais) today issued a stern warning to private Islamic schools in the state following reports of physical and sexual abuse of students.

The department said that these cases, if true, were deeply disturbing and completely contradictory to the principles of Islamic education, which should emphasize compassion and humanity.

“Educators must set a good example for students as befits their role as teachers,” principal Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said in a statement here.

He referred to the recent case of four students who disappeared from a tahfiz school and were found in Bukit Jelutong, claiming they were victims of abuse and sexual misconduct.

Jais reminded school management and staff in Selangor that in such cases, the department will not hesitate to revoke the registration of all schools involved under Section 15 of the Control of Islamic Religious Schools Act 1988 (Amendment 2001).

The ministry also warned that it would close any school found guilty of abuse or misconduct under Section 25 of the same regulation.

He also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s behavior and take appropriate action if they notice any changes to prevent further harm.

Jais stressed that private schools can be prosecuted under Section 8 of the Act and parents have the right to take legal action on behalf of their children if necessary.

Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said injuries were found on the four boys reported missing at the Tahfiz Darun Quran Ittifaqiyah Center.

According to Rusdi, police have launched an investigation under Section 31 (1) of the Children Act and Section 14 (b) in relation to sexual crimes.