On condition of anonymity, the parent told a shocking tale of how the teacher had allegedly attempted to groom the children – only boys – over the months and had since become a much-feared figure in school.

The parent, a man in his late 30s, decided to reveal this after meeting four other families at the Penang Education Department on Friday to discuss the issue.

Explaining the way the teacher allegedly worked, the parent said: “He would first get a pupil to call the pupil in the class that he likes, especially the small-sized boys. They will be summoned to the surau. The other teachers in session at that time would not object, as he was their class teacher.”

The teacher also targeted pupils in the sports club, claimed the parent.

“Once the marked pupil is alone in the surau, he would lock the doors and leave a window open to check if the coast was clear. He would then proceed to fondle their genitals, perform oral sex and even make the children watch porn, to get them aroused,” the parent claimed.

“The pupils are intimidated by him because of his big size.”

The parent said although the teacher did such “horrid” things, he would continue to upload religious matters on his Facebook account.

An eight-member panel from the Penang Education Department, which heard the shocking stories from parents, decided to place the teacher on desk duty pending an internal inquiry.

Meanwhile, Southwest district police chief Superintendent A Anbalagan said a man had been remanded for seven days until July 30 for investigation.

Six police reports had been lodged so far by parents of children aged 10 and 11, he said when contacted.