Death of tahfiz pupil: Education Ministry leaves investigation to police

The education ministry has left it to the police to carry out a full investigation into the death of a tahfiz (religious school) student who was allegedly beaten up by an assistant hostel warden at the school.

Minister, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said although the school was not registered under the ministry, the issue was still deemed as related to the country''s education institution.

"We extend our condolences to the family of the student involved. Although I was made to understand that the school is not registered, it is still an education institution that has students and teachers.

"This matter is certainly beyond our expectation because it involves a heavy offence...We leave it (the matter) to the police," he said when met by Bernama after the UMNO Supreme Council meeting at Menara Dato Onn here today.

Mohamad Thaqif Amin, 11, whose legs were amputated on Friday to prevent infection, died at 2.05pm at the Sultan Ismail Hospital in Johor Bahru today, where he had sought treatment.

His right hand was also infected due to blood clot and it was scheduled to be amputated this morning. The surgery had to be postponed due to the unstable condition of his heart.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the case was classified as murder.

The assistant warden has been remanded to facilitate police investigations into the murder. - BERNAMA