KINIGUIDE | In 2024, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek gave a stern warning to teachers: “You touch, you go”. The slogan, which has been repeated over the years, was meant to deter sexual abuse and bullying by teachers.

However, documents, police reports and interviews gathered by Malaysiakini show a wide gap between that vow and what happens when sexual abuse cases occur, especially when it's out of the public eye.

In several cases, teachers accused of such misconduct did “go” - either to another school, on leave, or up the career ladder.

Malaysiakini explores where the gaps lie in the Education Ministry’s complaints system, how they played out in four cases, and the implications for the law and integrity.