Increase in rape and incest cases on the rise in Kelantan as too incidences of consensual sex between minors

 

THERE is a perception that Malaysian society, or segments of it, is growing increasingly conservative in its outlook. Thus a startling news report has emerged of an alarming increase in rape, incest and consensual sex among minors.

That the news report referred specifically to cases in Kelantan, the state in which ultra-conservative PAS has ruled since 1990, is thus especially surprising.

It was reported by Buletin Utama TV3 that rape and incest cases in Kelantan are at an alarming level with an increase in cases occurring every year, most involving consensual sex.

More worryingly, most of the victims and perpetrators are minors, as young as 10 years old for girls and 11 years old for boys, and some of them are pregnant.

Kelantan Police Chief, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, when revealing the matter, said that throughout the past year, 252 cases of rape and incest were recorded, which is an increase compared to 2023 involving 206 cases.

He said that for the first quarter of this year, there was also an increase of 17.1% compared to the same period last year.

“For me, rape and incest cases are very worrying. In the past, men sought out women, but now in Kelantan the opposite is happening, with women seeking men to have a relationship with,” he continued.

“There was a case a few months ago, a 10-year-old girl asked to have a relationship with a relative who is in his 20s ended up getting pregnant.

“There is also a case where an 11-year-old boy had sex with a 15-year-old female cousin until she got pregnant. Even more tragic is a teenage girl who is still underage but had sex with up to five men.

“The results of the investigation carried out show that 98 percent of the reported cases were consensual,” he said at a press conference at his office in Kota Bahru on April 9.

He said that the results of his investigation also found that the cause of the incident that prompted the act was due to family conflict as well as the parents’ busy schedules.

Apart from that, he said, factors such as romance, lack of religious education, peer influence and drugs also contribute to the activity.

Therefore, he asked all parties to play a role in curbing this crime of rape and not to make it solely the responsibility of the PDRM.

At the same time, parents also need to play a role by checking their children’s cell phones.

This report brings up a few pertinent issues.

First, the internet knows no borders and all kinds of unsuitable filth can and will find its way onto gadgets, children and adults alike. What can be done to stem that flow?

Secondly, there needs to be an acknowledgement from the powers-that-be of the problem. It’s been officially highlighted by the state’s head police officer. Should this be ignored and swept under the carpet, or should there be meaningful discussions about how best to tackle some very serious issues?

Thirdly, when will Malaysians realise that proper education and open discussions on so-called ‘taboo’ subjects are required if this problem is to be stymied?

If these cases are on the increase in a state where shorts, skirts and bare female arms are strictly prohibited, it does not bode well for the rest of the states, does it? – Focus Malaysia