Drugs, pornography main causes of incest in Kelantan

KOTA BHARU – Kelantan Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia (Ikram) reveals that drugs and pornography are the main causes of incest cases in the state.

Its Women chief Associate Professor Dr Dasmawati Mohamad said the issue was escalating based on reports showing the police arrested 197 people during the past year over involvement in rape, incest and drug abuse cases.

"The report was released on March 20, 2022. Looking at that report, we have to understand the severity of the situation," she told Sinar on Tuesday.

Dr Dasmawati said following the situation, Wanita Ikram of the state was called to organise a seminar titled 'Haruan Makan Anak' to raise awareness and educate the community, especially parents, in preventing incidents of incest in their own homes.

She said the advocacy efforts were not limited to parents only but also teachers.

"Each of us has to play a role to deal with this issue. As parents, their job is to educate children about aurat, safe touch and social etiquette.

"Train children to share information and not keep it secret, always listen to their complaints.

"Make the Quran a reference source in children's education and marital relations," she said.

Dr. Dasmawati said that strengthening family institutions could be achieved through healthy relationships and making the home safe.

She added as a member of the community, involvement and awareness of the community against sexual abuse of children needed to be there.

"That is by making complaints and reporting to the responsible parties such as the Social Welfare Department (JKM), the police and hospitals, using Talian Kasih 15999," he said.

The 'Haruan Makan Anak' seminar held at the Kelantan Public Library here, yesterday, involved three panels including Ikram Kelantan president Che Rahimi Samat, JKM Kelantan Deputy Director Siti Nor Hasma Mat Isa and Raudhah Sakeenah Kelantan chairman Associate Prof Dr Zaharah Sulaiman.