Barur Rahim Hisam, 23, pleaded guilty after the four charges were read to him before Klang sessions court judge Noridah Adam today, Sinar Harian reported.

He was charged with abusing three boys aged 10 and 11 and causing them physical injury by caning them while they were under his care.

On the fourth charge, he was accused of abusing another 10-year-old boy by pressing his knee against the child’s chest.

He committed the acts at a GISBH centre in Bukit Raja, Klang, between June and September.

The charges were framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for abusing or exposing the children to injury, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of RM50,000, or both, upon conviction.

Noridah sentenced Barur to two years’ jail each on the first and second charge, and three years in prison on the third and fourth charges.

She ordered the jail sentence to run consecutively, starting from the date of arrest.

Burur was also put on a five-year good behaviour bond with a surety of RM10,000. Failing to adhere to the bond would see him spend another six months in jail.

Earlier, Barur, who was not represented by a lawyer, asked for a light sentence, saying he had repented and would not repeat the offence. He also said he had to look after his parents.

Deputy public prosecutor Kalmizah Salleh sought a heavy sentence, saying his actions would have traumatised the children.