IPOH, MALAYSIA - The teacher who caned a boy with Down Syndrome in front of his classmates during a special education class will be transferred to another school.

Perak Education Department director Hussain Harun said an investigation yesterday confirmed that the teacher had punished 15-year-old Shaun William Abernethy last Tuesday.

The teacher, he said, would also face a disciplinary panel and could be suspended.

"When it comes to special children, a teacher should take more care and exercise greater patience," Hussain said yesterday.

He reiterated that only a headmaster, principal or a discipline teacher could punish students.

According to Shaun's mother Assunta David, 42, the boy was struck at least nine times - four times on his right arm, thrice on his back and twice on his thighs, allegedly with a rotan.

It was reported that the female teacher had punished Shaun because he had "hit her on her back and made noise" in class.