Primary school students should not be slapped or caned because this will cause them to become disinterested in attending school, said a former principal today.

Speaking at the Ummah Uprising Convention in Kuala Lumpur today, Retired Education Officers Malaysia Association president Abdul Raof Hussin said educators should refrain from publicly disciplining students using physical force.

He urged them instead to protect students as if they were their own children.

“Personally, as a principal for 13 years and a teacher for nine years, I disagree with teachers slapping or caning kids. Especially if they are primary school students. Students should be taught...