Azalina to tackle child sex crimes

PUTRAJAYA: A new task force to tackle child sexual crimes will be headed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

She said the task force would include representatives from the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

Also included will be MPs, the Bar Council, Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association, academics and non-governmental organisations.

The task force will hold its first meeting soon.

Azalina said the announcement of the task force by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was timely due to recent cases of sexual crimes against children.

“The move demonstrated the Government’s commitment to ensure issues involving women and children are handled properly,” she said in a statement.

Azalina said the Government had listened to the views of all, including non-governmental organisations.

In his speech at the national Women’s Day celebration on Thursday, Najib said he was very disturbed by reports of abuses and crimes committed against children.