ALOR SETAR: Crimes involving women and children in Kedah have surged, averaging 42 cases a month in the first half of 2025, compared with an average of 16 cases monthly last year, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).
He said sexual crimes were particularly alarming, with children under 18 making up 75% of reported victims, Bernama reported.
“These figures only reflect reported cases. In many of these incidents, the perpetrators are people known to the victims,” he said after launching the Kedah Contingent Children Interview Centre (CIC) here yesterday.
Saifuddin Nasution said the CIC plays a critical role in building corroborative evidence when children are victims or witnesses, noting that its work requires officers with psychological and counselling expertise.
“The CIC’s expertise comes from police officers with psychology backgrounds and professional qualifications. This group must have counselling, psychological and trauma management skills.”
The minister said there are 31 CICs nationwide, including two in Kedah, fully supported by the ministry.
