State Education Department deputy director Mohd Jamil Mohamed said the teacher involved would carry out desk duties at the South Seberang Perai district education office (PPD) while an internal probe is being conducted.
M Vasanthapiriya, 13, of SMK Methodist in Nibong Tebal, attempted to take her life at home after her pleas of innocence were not heeded by her accuser.
“The department has opened an investigation paper into this incident as per standard operating procedure.
“We do not tolerate mistakes made by any party. For starters, the teacher involved has been temporarily placed (ditempatkan) at the South Seberang Perai PPD until investigations are completed.
“We will also cooperate with the police on this matter,” he told reporters at the Seberang Jaya Hospital.
Jamil visited the teen’s family together with state Umno chief Zainal Abidin Osman and a delegation of state MIC leaders.
Zainal said he was shocked to hear about Vasanthapiriya and could not believe that an incident over a lost mobile phone could lead to this.
“We hope the child will recover from her brain injury. We hear she is comatose right now. We really hope she can pull through,” he said.
Police are investigating the case based on a police report filed by Vasanthapiriya’s uncle.