KOTA BARU: Kelantan recorded an increase of about 25% in the number of sexual offences in 2023 compared with the previous year.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun revealed that they documented a total of 249 cases in 2023, up 52 cases from 197 in 2022.
He said the cases involved rape, incest, sodomy, molest and other offences under the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act.
"Last year, there were 115 rape cases, 36 molest cases, 17 incest cases, eight sodomy cases, and 73 cases involving sexual offences against children.
"In 2022, there were 85 rape cases, 14 incest cases, seven sodomy cases, 32 molestation cases, and 59 cases of sexual assault against children," he told reporters in Pasir Mas, on Tuesday (Jan 30).
Muhamad Zaki also said 154 cases involved victims aged 16 and below compared with 117 cases in the same age group in 2022.
He said there were 78 rape cases involving minors under the age of 16 last year compared with 61 in 2022.
"The statistics clearly show an increase. We have implemented various programmes including engaging students to tackle these harmful social ills," he said. – Bernama
