Rape, Incest & Molestation Among 1,721 Sexual Crimes Committed Against Children This Year

According to Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM) Deputy Minister Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff, the recorded cases are based on statistics provided by the police department.

"These comprise 651 rape cases, 106 incest cases, 106 cases of sexual intercourse against the order of nature, 344 molest cases, and 514 cases under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017," Siti Zailah said, as reported by New Straits Times.

She made the revelation when answering Setiu Member of Parliament (MP) Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir during the question-and-answer session at Dewan Rakyat yesterday, 18 August.

"[The] government has taken various actions to address the issue of paedophilia sexual crimes including aspects of prevention, legislation, and intervention, support system, as well as further studies and research to help strengthen the existing system," said the Rantau Panjang MP.

She said her ministry has implemented the 'Sahabat Bijak' programme, which is aimed at conducting child safety campaigns in schools, reported Bernama.

Other efforts include amending the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 by introducing heavier sentences of up to 30 years' imprisonment and whipping to convicted offenders.

She also cited a study released by The Economist Intelligence Unit in 2019, saying that Malaysia is ranked 23 out of 60 countries in efforts to protect children against sexual crimes.

According to New Straits Times, the ministry recorded 1,856 underage marriages in 2018 alone.

Among the number, 1,542 cases involved Muslim couples, while 314 cases involved non-Muslim couples.

Sabah topped the list of recorded underage marriages involving Muslims, while Pahang took the number one spot for non-Muslim cases.

Here is the breakdown of cases according to each state and federal territory:

Sabah
Muslims: 294
Non-Muslims: 10

Johor
Muslims: 153
Non-Muslims: 33

Pahang
Muslims: 152
Non-Muslims: 88

Selangor
Muslims: 152
Non-Muslims: 20

Terengganu
Muslims: 137
Non-Muslims: 0

Kedah
Muslims: 131
Non-Muslims: 1

Perak
Muslims: 129
Non-Muslims: 34

Negeri Sembilan
Muslims: 52
Non-Muslims: 17

Kuala Lumpur
Muslims: 47
Non-Muslims: 8

Perlis
Muslims: 43
Non-Muslims: 2

Penang
Muslims: 37
Non-Muslims: 10

Melaka
Muslims: 34
Non-Muslims: 6

Labuan
Muslims: 10
Non-Muslims: 0

Kelantan
Muslims: 1
Non-Muslims: 10

Sarawak
Muslims: 0
Non-Muslims: 54

Putrajaya
Zero cases

The ministry said they are working towards preventing underage marriages by working with the governing parties of each state, academicians, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-79563488
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter

2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Weekdays (9.30am - 4.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter

3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Weekdays (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4390698
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter

4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6082-422660
SMS/WhatsApp: +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter

5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 2pm)
Contact: +6088-280200
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter

6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6016-2273065 | +6016-7213065
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter