KUALA LUMPUR: The number of cases of statutory rape involving minors aged 16 and below, has increased in recent years and is a cause for concern, says Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
He said that such acts, despite consent from the victims, is classified as rape as they involve those who are underaged.
"Based on police records, there was an increase of 202 cases or 11.8% last year, compared with 2022," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently.
He expressed particular concern that most of these cases involve the B40 group (low-income households) and that the lack of parental supervision, in addition to easy access to pornography online, has contributed to the occurrence of such crimes.
In this context, he emphasised the role of parents, who must supervise their children and be tech-savvy to control Internet use and prevent their children from accessing inappropriate websites.
He added that the evolving landscape of borderless communication and easy accessibility has a profound impact on children as they can access prohibited content without adequate control, and engage in immoral activities.
"In the past, pornographic material was hard to find, but now this material is easily accessible on smartphones," he said. – Bernama
