Kedah Chinese High School Teachers Bow In Apology Over Sexual Harassment Case
Headmistress Teresa Chang said she will take responsibility for the incident.
Cover image via 吉华独立中学 (Facebook)The headmistress and teachers of Keat Hwa Independent High School in Alor Setar, Kedah bowed in apology for the emergence of a sexual harassment case involving one of the school's teachers
Their apology comes after the arrest of one of the school's male teachers last Saturday, 19 April, for allegedly sexually harassing a student.
In a six-minute video posted yesterday, 23 April, headmistress Teresa Chang expressed deep remorse and said she will take full responsibility for the incident.
Chang, who is currently on medical leave and reportedly undergoing cancer treatment with her second chemotherapy session scheduled for tomorrow, 25 April, said it was an administrative oversight that led to the incident.
"Today, as the principal, I want to sincerely apologise to the victims of this incident, our alumni, and all parents.
"Over the past few days, we've been trying to find out where things went wrong. We have finally identified the issue — an administrative oversight.
"We will work on improving the procedures and plans for handling such incidents, and carry out comprehensive institutional reform," she said, appearing teary-eyed.
Keat Hwa Independent High School's headmistress Teresa Chang apologising in a video.
Image via 吉华独立中学 (Facebook)
Chang emphasised that the school will not shirk its responsibilities, stressing that there are no excuses when a teacher is at fault
She called on all teachers to take every student's report seriously and not ignore their voices.
"If you find anything unusual, be sure to report it immediately. Don't think it's a trivial matter," she said.
In her five-minute statement, the headmistress bowed twice to express her regret to the victims, alumni, and parents.
Reflecting on her own cancer treatment journey, Chang highlighted the unpredictability of life and encouraged students to value their youth and education, saying, "Time waits for no one. Seize the moment and study hard."
At the end of the video, the chairperson of Keat Hwa Independent High School led the board of directors and the parent-teacher association to collectively bow in apology.
Image via 吉华独立中学 (Facebook)
Keat Hwa Independent High School's apology video can be found below:
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am – 5.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: telenita@awam.org.my
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am – 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342
Email: wcc@wccpenang.org
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday (7pm – 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am – 11.30am), Saturday (2pm – 4pm)
Contact: +6082-368853
SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285
Email: sarswws@gmail.com
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am – 5pm)
Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020
Email: sawo.women@yahoo.com
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm – 12am)
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: protect@psthechildren.org.my
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
