Failing to report child sexual abuse can lead to RM5,000 fine, says Azalina

PUTRAJAYA: Individuals who are aware of sexual abuse involving children but fail to lodge a police report can be fined up to RM5,000 under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 1972), if found guilty, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said in efforts to curb sexual offences against children, enforcement measures need to be aggressive and firm, including charging those close to the victims like teachers, and neighbours who may be aware of such occurances, under Section 19 of the Act.