MCA deputy secretary-general Pamela Yong said the sentence was “an absolute travesty of justice”.
“A crime of this nature demands a sentence that not only ensures that the offender is held accountable, but also serves as a strong warning to others.
“The offender’s actions constitute a severe violation of the law and a betrayal of trust, and he must be held accountable in a manner that reflects the gravity of his crime,” she said in a statement.
The 56-year-old cleaner pleaded guilty after he was charged in the Muar sessions court with possessing child pornography, specifically 18 video recordings and pictures of his stepdaughter taking a shower.
The charge was framed under Section 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, which provides for up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of RM10,000, or both, upon conviction.
Yong, the Sabah Wanita MCA chief, said the RM6,000 fine “utterly fails to reflect the severity of his crime”, offering no real deterrent.
“How does this judgment restrain him from repeating his actions, especially when he still has access to the child? Worse, what stops him from exploiting her further to recover the money he lost in fines as retribution against the child who reported him to the authorities?”
She called for comprehensive measures to protect the victim and ensure her safety, including restricting the offender’s access to her and providing her with the necessary support and counselling.
“The lenient sentence raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the victim, who remains at risk of further exploitation. This is an unacceptable risk that must be addressed immediately,” she said. - FMT
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