Poca shouldn’t be used on minors, says Wan Azizah

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will review the use of the controversial Prevention of Crime Act, or Poca, on minors, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.

“Children should not live the life of a detainee. They deserve a second chance.

“Although they are not detained in the same way as other criminals, this should still be revisited. I will discuss the matter with the relevant ministries,” she said.

She added that while Poca facilitates police work, the law is still open to abuse.

A total of 142 children are known to have been held in custody under Poca, and 17 under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma).

On Wednesday, two rights groups urged the government to release all children and juvenile detainees held under the two security laws, which Pakatan Harapan politicians had promised to repeal.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) said no child should be subjected to detention without trial.

“If there is evidence of their involvement in criminal activities, they should be allowed a fair trial in court,” Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy said.

In July last year, Suhakam visited the Kluang Prison, a dedicated detention centre for juvenile Poca detainees. There, they met 35 children, 10 of whom had been arrested when they were below 18.

Fifteen of the 35 children were Malay, 18 were Indian, and two were from other races. There was no Chinese among them.

Among others, Suhakam found that some of the children were still attending school when they were arrested. - Mkini