According to Berita Harian, the department’s deputy director Azman Othman said the probe began after a video of the incident went viral.

“We are made to understand that the incident happened during an assembly in conjunction with an anti-smoking and anti-vaping programme at 10am yesterday,” he said, adding that he was unable to provide further details as the investigation was ongoing.

Yesterday, a video clip of a teacher allegedly slapping a student during an event in school went viral, drawing criticism from social media users including another teacher who shared the snippet.

In the 42-second video, the teacher was seen speaking to the student before hitting him in the face.

The teacher was then seen berating the student before shoving him aside.

Meanwhile, the education ministry said it was committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and teachers.

“Teachers are advised to adhere to ethical standards,” it said in a statement, adding that it was also probing the incident.