Unicef has expressed concern over the allegation that teachers are exploiting students by demanding sex in exchange for better grades.

"Any sexual abuse against children is a serious violation of their rights.

"When it is perpetrated by teachers at school, it is also a breach of trust and abuse of power. Such behaviour discredits the education system.

"Teachers are supposed to be role models and nurture a child's learning and development, not sexually abuse them. No child should be afraid of going to school," said Unicef Malaysia representative Marianne Clark-Hattingh in a statement this evening.

She said the UN, NGOs, and private companies have been working with the government to empower children to protect themselves from sexual abuse.

"But obviously more needs to be done," she added.

Yesterday, MACC chief Shukri Abdull revealed that such cases were occurring in Malaysian schools.

However, he said the commission is powerless to act as the students would not come forward.

Following this, Education Minister Maszlee Malik vowed to protect victims who filed reports and his statement was welcomed by Unicef.