A 46-year-old Tamil primary school teacher who also ran tuition classes from his home has been charged in two Kuala Lumpur Sessions Courts with six counts of sexually abusing three 11-year-old boys.

The charges are grave. But beyond the courtroom, where the truth of the allegations will be determined, another troubling question remains.

Were there warning signs years before the alleged abuse came to light, and if so, why was nothing done?

Malaysiakini spoke to more than 10 people, including parents, pupils, former teachers and school administrators, and examined copies of police reports and other documents related to the case.