A YEAR Six pupil in Alor Star claimed he was punched by his English teacher for failing to hand in his homework, Harian Metro reported.

He said he was also caned seven times and slapped.

Because of the incident, Mohd Kausar Shahidan, 10, fell ill with fever and also sustained bruises on his right calf from the caning.

"It was so painful that I fell ill and could not go to school," he said at his home in Kampung Kumbang Raja.

Mohd Kausar said the incident happened after he was overloaded with homework, which resulted in him being unable to finish some of it.

He said the teacher added even more work for him as penalty for being unable to complete his task.

His father, Shahidan Ahmad, 53, was very upset with the excessive force used on his son.

"I can tolerate light punishment if it is for teaching children a lesson but I certainly will not stand for such harsh treatment," he said.

He said the teacher could not be contacted.

Both father and son lodged a report with the Kota Star police station.