Kedah school sexual harassment scandal: Principal and vice-principal resign, teacher dismissed as police probe continues

Kedah school sexual harassment scandal: Principal and vice-principal resign, teacher dismissed as police probe continues

ALOR SETAR, May 1 — The principal of Sekolah Menengah Keat Hwa (Persendirian) has resigned following a sexual harassment scandal involving a male teacher, while the vice-principal has temporarily stepped down amid an ongoing police investigation, Malaysiakini reported today.‍

National
National

ALOR SETAR, May 1 — The principal of Sekolah Menengah Keat Hwa (Persendirian) has resigned following a sexual harassment scandal involving a male teacher, while the vice-principal has temporarily stepped down amid an ongoing police investigation, Malaysiakini reported today.

In a statement issued late last night, the school board announced that Principal Chang Siew Hong had resigned citing health reasons, while Vice-Principal Khor Chee Beng has taken a temporary leave to ensure a smooth investigation process.

A special task force has been established to manage school affairs during this period, and a formal report will be submitted to the United School Committees’ Association of Kedah. Additionally, the board plans to set up an independent investigation panel to assess any potential administrative lapses.

“This team will consist of individuals from the association or members with public credibility. No school board or parent-teacher association members will be part of the team,” the board stated.

The board has also cancelled a scheduled fundraising bazaar to focus entirely on reform efforts and student safety, while expressing deep regret over the incident and faith in the legal process to deliver justice.

To date, seven police reports have been filed against the teacher — six by former students. Kota Setar district police chief Siti Noor Salawati confirmed that two investigation papers have been completed and submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor.

The teacher, who had been with the school since 2016, was arrested on April 17. He was initially suspended and has since been dismissed.

The police are investigating a former male teacher at the school following sexual harassment complaints filed by students and former students in April 2025. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

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