Azalina Othman Said warned that the authorities would “hunt down” school administrators or individuals who attempt to cover up cases of sexual abuse, whether it happened in schools or homes.
Therefore, she urged all parties to be more responsive towards such cases as those who refuse to report would be in violation of Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792).
“The problem is not many want to report such matters. Some say they don’t want to be busybodies, worry they may lodge a false report or fear getting assaulted.
“But the current law is clear and experts have mentioned it. If you don’t report it, you will be held responsible too.
“Therefore, please report such matters. As the minister (Fadhlina Sidek) said, you touch, you go but I would like to add one more; you don’t report, you go,” said the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).
Azalina said this during her speech at the National Convention on the Protection of Pupils from Sexual Exploitation, held in Shah Alam, Selangor. Also present was Fadhlina.
According to Act 792, anyone who is aware of sexual abuse against children but fails to report the matter to the police can be fined up to RM5,000.
Earlier in the same event, Fadhlina issued a stern warning to educators and ministry staff to take seriously sexual abuse against school students.
She also stressed that those involved in the misconduct will face action and be fired from their positions.
The Education Ministry is striving to make schools the safest they can be for students, she added.
‘Take students’ complaints seriously’
Meanwhile, Azalina assured whistleblowers that they would be protected under the law.
“Whether the report is right or otherwise is another matter and will be handled by the authorities.”
The minister also stressed that one should not feel embarrassed reporting such matters if they happen.
“What is important is that teachers, principals, and others must not fear reporting them.
“We often hear statements like the school will be shamed, it will be published by the media and others.
“Learn to put all that aside and remember the law. If a child makes a complaint or mentions they have seen something - be it boy or girl - we must act.”
Earlier, Azalina and Fadhlina signed a memorandum of cooperation on protecting students from sexual exploitation. - Mkini
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