THE police stated recently that rape cases committed by minors (persons under the age of legal responsibility or until 18 years) are on the increase.
Federal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said there was even a case of a 9-year old raping a girl of the same age.
Because they are underage, there is no criminal liability and no charge was made in court.
In view of the increase in cases committed by these minors, it must be a matter that must be viewed and addressed seriously by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Ministry of Communications and the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Equally concerned should also be the parents and the school teachers.
All the relevant ministries must work together to tackle the issue aggressively and do more to manage sexual misconduct incidents in schools to curb statutory rape.
More awareness and educational advocacy programmes must be organised in the schools to address the issue of sexual harassment in schools and elsewhere.
Another reason why there are minors involved in rape cases is due to easy access to social media and pornography. The authority concerned must look at this issue seriously and curb the easy access to pornography.
The Education Ministry needs to intensify advocacy training for teachers on the procedure for handling cases of sexual misconduct at the school level.
All school-going children must be assured that they are free from all forms of sexual harassment. They must be made to feel that the schools are safe places for them to be in all the time.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
CHAIRMAN
ALLIANCE FOR A SAFE COMMUNITY
