KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government has supported the proposal by state police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat to review existing laws on statutory rape so that both consenting parties involved can be held accountable, not just the male partner.
Kelantan Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan, said it is unfair for only the male party to face legal consequences in cases where both individuals willingly engaged in sexual activity.
"The proposal shows that the Kelantan police chief is taking the issue seriously and we share that concern.
"In cases of consensual underage sex, the girl should also bear responsibility.
"If the girl is simply let off without any warning or consequence, it gives the impression that there's no accountability on her part, despite her consenting to it. Such leniency could lead to a recurrence," he told reporters after attending the state executive council meeting at Kompleks Kota Darulnaim on Wednesday (Sept 24).
He also suggested that the federal government establish a special committee to study the proposal and determine appropriate measures for both parties involved.
Mohamed Fadzli said that in most cases of underage consensual sex, the male partner – if above the age of 16 – is typically charged with rape while the girl is not held liable.
"That's why we believe both sides – male and female – must be held responsible. The state government supports the Kelantan police chief's statement. This is not merely about punishment but education and fairness," he said.
Mohd Yusoff had suggested that legal action should be considered against both individuals involved in consensual statutory rape cases, rather than only prosecuting the male partner.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail later said that Mohd Yusoff's statement was his personal view, driven by concern over the rising number of sexual offence cases in Kelantan. – Kelantan
