Treated like punching bags: Parent speaks out on boarding school’s abuse culture

KUALA LUMPUR - The mother of a former student at a boarding school claims that coaches and teachers have been abusing students without any valid reason.

The abuse, she said, took place since her child was enrolled in the school around 2014 and continues to this day.

The woman who only wanted to be known as Mariani said that she believed all the students were treated like punching bags for the higher-ups to vent their anger, rather than being disciplined.

She alleged that the coaches were aware of the activities taking place but chose to remain silent, instead telling the public that everything in the school was fine.

"The ragging culture at night is common. They force students to wake up in the middle of the night and punish them until 5am. After that, students have to shower, pray Subuh, and rush to class. There's no time to rest or sleep again.

"In class, they are whipped or punched in the stomach because they are sleepy from lack of rest. The caning is not minor; some students' shirts even get torn.

"From the coaches, regular teachers, to the Ustaz, it's all the same," she claimed.

Mariani claimed that her child, who was fed up with the culture, once faced an experience where they were not allowed to leave the school.

"My child fought back because my child couldn't stand it and ended up in a fight with a senior. My child was also sexually abused, I reported it to the headmaster and the senior involved was suspended after the court's decision came out.

"After that, my child became a target and was forced to report to seniors for 60 days, moving from room to room while enduring their beatings.

"Even worse, unreasonable punishments were imposed, such as mopping the floor with their own tongue! They couldn't leave the school because of a contract," she claimed.

Mariani added that it had become a routine for her to visit her child every week, bringing food and necessities.

"I visit my child and their friends every week. Every time I meet them, I bring food, ask how they are, and check if there are signs of beatings. Some of the other students' parents live far away and some are less fortunate.

"But the school is clever. If there is an incident of beating, students are not allowed to meet their families or go out that week. They have to wait until the bruises heal, perhaps to get rid of the evidence," she added.