SELANGOR having recorded the highest number of rape cases, followed by Johor, as revealed in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat last Feb 24 is understandably cause for public concern.
It is important to stress that these are reported cases, and don’t necessarily reflect the actual number of such crimes which very likely would be higher.
Higher reported figures may also indicate a greater awareness, improved reporting mechanisms, bigger population in more urbanised states and increased willingness among victims to come forward.
News reports in April last year highlighted a worrying 22.3% increase in rape and incest cases in Kelantan, with 252 cases recorded in 2024 compared to 206 in 2023.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said some cases involved minors as young as 10, and that investigations found certain incidents involved consensual sexual activity among underaged individuals.
These details accentuate the complexity of the issue, particularly where statutory rape laws apply to protect minors regardless of consent.
The rising number of reported cases signals an urgent need for comprehensive rape prevention strategies nationwide.
This cannot be treated solely as a law enforcement matter.
While police action is essential, removing stigmatisation associated with sexual assaults and rape prevention require a whole-of-society approach.
Firstly, age-appropriate sexuality education must be strengthened in schools to ensure young people understand consent, personal boundaries, online safety and the legal consequences of underaged sexual activity.
Secondly, parents and guardians must play a more active role in supervising their children’s or wards’ online exposure, especially given concerns about easy access to pornographic material and the sharing of explicit content via mobile phones and social media.
Community leaders, religious institutions, educators and civil society organisations must also work together to promote moral responsibility, respect for women and girls, abstinence before marriage and the importance of safe family environments.
Early intervention in cases of family conflict or neglect and awareness of personal boundaries can help reduce vulnerability among children and teenagers.
Importantly, we must avoid politicising crime statistics or using state-by-state comparisons to apportion blame.
The focus should instead be on improving reporting systems, victim support services without stigmatisation as well as counselling and rehabilitation programmes.
Every reported case represents a life affected.
Our collective goal must be clear – to create safer homes, safer schools and safer communities while ensuring that victims receive protection, justice and compassionate support.
TEE HOOI LING
Wanita MCA
National Deputy Chairman
