Child sexual crimes: Activists call for stronger protection, national strategy

SHAH ALAM - Child rights activists have highlighted the urgent need for stronger protections, prevention measures and coordinated government action following alarming increases in child sexual crime cases between 2020 and 2024.

They warned that online grooming, pornography exposure and family dysfunction are fuelling the problem.

Former Bar Council Child Rights Chairperson Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo said the rise in child sexual crimes in Malaysia stemmed from a mix of digital, social and legal challenges.

“The rise in child sexual crimes in Malaysia from 2020 to 2024 is driven by multiple factors. Greater internet access and social media exposure have increased the risk of online grooming and exposure to harmful sexual content.

“At the same time, increased awareness and improved reporting systems mean more cases are being documented, though this does not lessen the gravity of the offences,” she told Sinar Daily.

Kokila, who is also a lawyer, pointed out that deeper social issues are part of the problem. She explained that shifts in family and social dynamics, economic inequalities and shortcomings in prevention and education all add to children’s vulnerability.

On top of that, she said legal and enforcement hurdles such as investigation delays and weak deterrents for offenders, further complicate matters.

To address this effectively, Kokila highlighted the need for a comprehensive national strategy.

“Malaysia needs a coordinated, whole-of-government approach involving police, social services, education, health and religious agencies to tackle these complex issues.

“Strengthening digital safety laws against online grooming and child exploitation, enhancing support services like trained child protection units and trauma counselling and improving law enforcement training on child rights and relevant legal frameworks are essential.

“Prevention efforts should focus on age-appropriate sex education and public awareness campaigns, while creating safe and confidential channels for victims to report abuse without fear of punishment or stigma, which remains crucial for encouraging more survivors to come forward,” she said.

Fauwaz (left) and Yusoff. Photo: Bernama and edited via Canva

Consultant Paediatrician and child-disability activist Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS also described the surge in cases as a multi-faceted issue.

He believes the increase in sexual crimes against children is a problem driven by a combination of factors, which include increased online use, a rise in willingness to report cases, and worsening family dysfunction with increased conflict.

Dr Amar-Singh pointed to the role of technology in both positive and harmful ways.

“Adolescents have been influenced both positively and negatively by screens and social media. Screens and social media have increased the risk of abuse to children, especially with online grooming and predators.

“The easy accessibility of inappropriate content, especially pornography, has heightened sexuality.

“It is imperative that the authorities urgently foster an online environment that prioritises the safety and well-being of children, ensuring that the digital world becomes a space of learning and positive interaction rather than a gateway to harmful behaviours,” he said when contacted.

The Broader Debate

On Sept 22, the Federal Territories Mufti, Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil, supported Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat’s proposal to prosecute complainants or victims if consensual underage sex was proven.

He said that current laws unfairly burden men while exempting women.

“Although the law defines sexual intercourse with an individual under 16 years old as rape, regardless of consent, it raises questions of fairness and the effectiveness of the law because women who also consent are not subjected to punishment,” he said.

His remarks followed Yusoff’s statement that nearly 90 per cent of underage rape cases in Kelantan involved mutual consent. Fauwaz added that from an Islamic perspective, women should also be held accountable if proven guilty of zina (illicit sex).

In response, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri reiterated that minors involved in consensual sex need protection, not punishment.

“These children must be given the opportunity and space to learn from mistakes, recover and rebuild their lives without being burdened by long-term stigma or trauma,” she said, stressing the importance of counselling, education and support.

Public Reaction and Legal Tensions

The issue has polarised public opinion online. Many Malaysians rejected the idea of punishing underage girls, stressing that children lack maturity and require protection.

Others, however, questioned whether the law is fair, pointing to cases where boys faced institutionalisation at Henry Gurney Schools while girls were shielded under welfare protection.

One case in Kelantan earlier on Sept 4, highlighted the issue: an 11-year-old boy and his 15-year-old cousin engaged in sexual activity that resulted in pregnancy.

The boy was held by the police for questioning while the girl was placed under the Social Welfare Department’s (JKM) care.

Critics argued that the boy may have been groomed, yet the law still categorised him as the offender.

This controversy spotlighted a deeper divide in Malaysian society: should the law remain focused on shielding girls as victims or should reforms introduce balanced accountability when both parties are minors?

Experts argued that the answer lies not in punishment, but in frameworks that protect children from exploitation while addressing adolescent relationships through education, guidance and rehabilitation.