Malaysian teen could go blind after classmate throws ruler at her during fight

Iskandar Puteri
The Star/Asia News Network
Wednesday, Aug 17, 2016

A 14-year-old schoolgirl is facing the possibility of going blind in one eye after being struck by a ruler thrown by a classmate.

According to her uncle K. Letchmighandan, 39, one of her classmates threw a short plastic ruler at the teenager after she told them off for fighting in the classroom.

He said the incident happened at around 1.50pm on Monday (Aug 15) before school ended in SMK Selesa Jaya 2.

"I found out about the incident when I fetched H. Shalini from school as she was crying in agony and covering her eyes with her hands.

"I immediately took her to KPJ Specialist Hospital for treatment and was told that she needs to have an immediate operation on her retina," he told The Star on Tuesday (Aug 16).

He said according to the doctor who treated Shalini, the operation is to repair the torn tissue in her right eye.

He said Shalini underwent a two-hour operation on her right eye on the same day.

Mr Letchmighandan added that his niece would need another operation soon to replace a torn lens, but the doctor could not guarantee that her eyesight will return to normal.

"I was disappointed with the school, especially with the teacher who was the classroom at the time of the incident.

"I went to the school for an explanation, but the teacher said she was not aware of the incident," he added.

He said that he has been taking care of Shalini and her four siblings because their parents are working in Ipoh.

Iskandar Puteri OCPD Supt Noor Hashim Mohamad said a police report has been lodged and they are investigating the case under Section 325 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt.