Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman has described the rise in incest and statutory rape cases as a sign of a fractured family institution.
The DAP leader said this while expressing her dismay over media reports of an 11-year-old boy impregnating his 15-year-old cousin.
She said the case reflected a breakdown in societal values and the need for sex education for children.
“We need to ask ourselves, where did we go wrong? What are our children watching, learning, and following? I urge that parents and communities be empowered through greater digital awareness.
“They need to know how to block inappropriate content on their children’s devices. They must also be aware of who their children are befriending.
“There needs to be exposure to and inculcation of early sexual education for children, both in schools and at home.
“The rise in incest cases is also a sign of a breakdown in the family institution, which is supposed to serve as a shield to raise children in a safe environment,” she said.
Syefura said children need psychological support and protection from pornographic content, which is widely available online.
“That’s why I support restricting smartphone use for children under 13.
“However, legislation alone is not enough. Parents must play their part, as everything starts at home,” she added.
Rise in cases
Earlier, the media quoted Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat as saying in a press conference that an 11-year-old boy had impregnated his 15-year-old cousin, reportedly due to an underage love affair.
The incident, which allegedly occurred last week, led to the boy being detained to assist with investigations, while the girl was placed under the care of the Social Welfare Department.
Yusoff also revealed that 252 statutory rape cases were recorded in the state in 2024, compared to 206 cases in 2023.
From January to March this year alone, the figure has already increased by 15.6 percent compared to the same period in 2024.
Investigations found 98 percent of such cases to be consensual, and there is a worrying trend of underage girls seeking out male partners.
In the recent case, Yusoff alleged that pornographic photos and videos were found on the girl’s phone, and she had sent such materials of herself to men she had recently met on social media.
He added that police findings show that the key causes of such cases include family conflict, underage love affairs, exposure to pornographic videos or images, lack of religious education, peer influence, and drug use.
“I want to stress that police alone cannot tackle this issue effectively.
“It should involve all quarters, including educational institutions, the community, imams, village heads and parents,” Yusoff added. - Mkini
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