Victim’s dad sues school for negligence

> Action taken to ensure safety of other children

KUALA LUMPUR: A father has filed a negligence suit against a private school in Setapak for failing to stop his son from being bullied.

Fairul Ramzi said he was taking legal action so that other children would not become bully victims.

“When my son first complained about being bullied, I made the mistake of assuming that it was something normal. He used to come home complaining that he was poked, slapped and his books thrown.

“I told him that he was bigger than the other boy and should be able to handle it,” Fairul said outside the Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday.

“I was wrong. Parents should always take bullying seriously,” he said, adding that his son was repeatedly bullied by the same classmate.

“Despite our repeated complaints to the school, no action was taken,” he said.

The incident, which happened in the classroom on June 1, was captured on CCTV.

The footage showed the teacher was in the classroom at the time and did not prevent the attack.

“The teacher did not take any action after the attack and no first aid was given,” he added.

Fairul said his son, who was in Year 2, suffered abrasions on his face and buttocks, and was too traumatised to return to school.

Lawyer Syahrezan Johan, who is representing the family, said the boy’s parents were not satisfied with the school’s explanation.

“This suit is not against the boy who was the bully, but against the school and the teacher for failing to ensure the safety of the child,” he said.

Fairul is seeking RM6,097.70 in special damages and an unspecified amount for general damages.