KOTA KINABALU: A recent court decision to fine a stepfather RM6,000 for taking explicit photographs and videos of his 15-year-old stepdaughter has sparked outrage and calls for stricter penalties in cases of child sexual exploitation.
The sentence has been criticised as disproportionately lenient, raising concerns about the message it sends about the severity of such offences.
“This sentence utterly fails to reflect the severity of the stepfather’s crime, offering no real deterrent, no rehabilitation, and no meaningful protection for the victim. How does this judgment restrain him from repeating his actions, especially when he still has access to the child?
“Worse, what stops him from exploiting her further to recover the money he lost in fines as retribution against the child who reported him to the authorities?” Sabah MCA Wanita chief Datuk Dr Pamela Yong questioned.
She stressed that the law exists to protect the vulnerable, especially minors, from those who prey on them.
“When the punishment is nothing more than a slap on the wrist, it emboldens perpetrators and fails victims. A crime of this nature demands a sentence that not only ensures the offender is held accountable but also serves as a strong warning to others,” she said in a statement on Thursday (Mar 20).
In addition, she stressed that the sentence should also educate society about the gravity of such offences and the consequences of violating the trust and safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly minors.
The case has also prompted calls for a reassessment of sentencing guidelines in Malaysia concerning sexual offences against minors.
“Justice must be more than just a token gesture - it must protect, punish, and prevent.
“In this case, the lenient sentence raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the victim, who remains at risk of further exploitation. This is an unacceptable risk that must be addressed immediately,” she said.
Dr Yong suggested that stricter penalties should be considered for such offences, including imprisonment and mandatory registration on the sex offender registry.
“The offender’s actions constitute a severe violation of the law and a betrayal of trust, and he must be held accountable in a manner that reflects the gravity of his crime.
“We also call for comprehensive measures to protect the victim and ensure her safety, including restricting the offender’s access to her and providing her with the necessary support and counselling to recover from this traumatic experience,” said Dr Yong.
She noted that the case highlights the urgent need for stricter sentencing guidelines and stronger enforcement of laws protecting minors from sexual exploitation.
“A clear message must be sent that such heinous acts will not be tolerated and that the safety and dignity of our children are non-negotiable.
“We stand in solidarity with the victim and all survivors of sexual exploitation, and we will continue to advocate for justice, accountability, and systemic reforms to prevent such injustices in the future,” she said.
Yong was commenting on the RM6,000 fine imposed by the Muar Sessions Court on a 56-year-old man who pleaded guilty to recording and possessing explicit videos and photographs of his 15-year-old stepdaughter.
The offence was committed between Sept 17 and Dec 21 last year.
The minor discovered the recordings while clearing her stepfather’s email storage and lodged a police report on 14 March.
Investigations confirmed that he had secretly filmed her multiple times without her biological mother’s knowledge.
