Adult grooming needs sensitive, legal approach - Criminologist

SHAH ALAM - Young adults face the hidden dangers of grooming, often masked as manipulation. To combat this, academic institutions, workplaces, communities and even social media platforms had to step up with awareness campaigns that educate without judgment, empowering individuals to recognise these subtle threats.

Speaking to Sinar Daily, criminologist Shankar Durairaja emphasised the importance of addressing grooming behaviours involving legal adults with sensitivity and respect for personal boundaries.

“If it involves adults, it must be approached with caution because interfering in a relationship involving adults violates their privacy.

"We need to avoid moral policing, as it could lead to abuse of power, discrimination, or unnecessary stigma," he said.

Shankar acknowledged that Malaysia’s cultural and religious values often influence societal perspectives, but he stressed that interventions must respect individual rights and adhere to the law.

"While we uphold religious values and principles at various levels in Malaysia, this must be done respectfully and must not interfere with an individual’s personal choice or violate the law," he added.

He called for relevant organisations—such as academic institutions, workplaces, support systems (family, friends, peers and communities) and social media platforms—to lead the charge in raising awareness about grooming.

"Awareness campaigns should focus on helping young adults recognise signs of grooming that could themselves be manipulative and coercive, without imposing restrictions or personal judgments,” he said.

Shankar further stressed the need for empowerment rather than control.

"In addition to raising awareness, these campaigns must also focus on equipping young people with critical thinking and problem-solving skills so that they can assess potential signs in a relationship by having an open dialogue without controlling their actions,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of addressing exploitative situations with a supportive approach.

“Legal adults can be protected if they experience coercion, manipulation, or abuse.

"If intervention is necessary, it should come in the form of counselling, legal advice, or offering support—not forced separation or public shaming,” he said.