PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA - The two primary school teachers who were arrested for allegedly molesting and performing indecent acts on their pupils have been transferred to the district education office pending investigations.

Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the transfer was a temporary measure.

"This is to facilitate the police investigation into the matter and at the same time ensure the pupils are not worried about attending school," he told The Star.

Although this was a police case, Alimuddin said the Johor Education Department was also investigating the matter and he would get a full report by early next week.

The teachers, aged 35 and 27, from two different schools in Labis and Kluang respectively, were arrested after pupils lodged police reports.

Investigations found that the pupils were molested in different places, including at the school's counselling room, an art class and even in a park.

On the case of a teacher who allegedly uttered racial slurs against a group of Indian students in Banting recently, Alimuddin said the ministry's disciplinary committee for teachers, which he also chairs, would decide on the action to be taken.

"We view this matter very seriously and action will be taken once the inquiry into the case is completed," he said.

On the type of actions that could be taken, he said it included suspension, warning, a salary cut or demotion.