Sexual offences cases in Kelantan alarming, with young girls seeking boys for illicit relations – Police

KOTA BHARU - The Kelantan police have revealed that the number of rape cases in the state is highly concerning, with a disturbing trend where young girls are seeking boys for intimate relationships.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said that the girls involved were as young as 10 years old, while the boys were 11 years old.

"This issue was uncovered after it was found that the children involved were pregnant. Reports were made by their families and the Health Ministry.

"Some of these pregnancies are already seven months along, while others are just a month old. What is worrying is the current trend where underage girls are looking for boys," he said during a press conference at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) on Wednesday.

He further expressed concern that many of the rape cases in Kelantan also involve incest.

"As recorded, a 13-year-old girl was found pregnant by her uncle, who is in his twenties," he added.

Yusoff said that in these cases, the children were reported to have 'requested' the illicit relationship, not the other way around.

"In another case, an 11-year-old boy got his 15-year-old cousin pregnant. Our investigation found inappropriate videos and pictures in their phones," he said.

He emphasised that these cases cannot be taken lightly as all reported rape cases were consensual, not forced.

He added that it was saddening when parents knew their underage daughters were bringing boys home and into their rooms.

"That’s not all; in some cases, the illicit relationship involves more than just one man, sometimes up to four men. We were informed that the young girls requested it," he said.

Yusoff advised parents to monitor their children, especially when it comes to phone usage and excessive socialising.

He also reminded schools and local communities to constantly monitor underage children.

In addition to the influence of phones, the lack of religious education, peer influence, and drug abuse (which contributes to 30 per cent of cases) were also factors in the increase of rape cases.

"This is the result of our research. In addition to crime issues, drugs also contribute to rape cases," he said.

Sinar Harian reported on Wednesday that rape, firearms, and drug-related cases are among the crimes that have increased in the state from January to March compared to last year.

Yusoff said that during this three-month period, the number of rape cases increased by 15.6 per cent, while armed robbery cases involving firearms rose by 100 per cent (1 case) and injuries by 6.8 per cent (3 cases).