Statutory rape laws to be improved, children cannot consent Are...
New Straits Times@NST_Online
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Sep 24, 2025
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Statutory rape laws to be improved, children cannot consent
Are Malaysia’s statutory rape laws set for a shake-up?
A government committee is now reviewing the law in what could be a major change for consensual underage sex cases.
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Are Malaysia’s statutory rape laws set for a shake-up?
A government committee is now reviewing the law in what could be a major change for consensual underage sex cases.
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The move comes after a proposal by Kelantan police to expand the law so both parties in consensual underage sex cases could face prosecution.
Kelantan police say nearly 90 per cent of statutory rape cases in the state involve consent.
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nst.com.my/news/crime-cou…
Kelantan police say nearly 90 per cent of statutory rape cases in the state involve consent.
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nst.com.my/news/crime-cou…
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But Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the law’s purpose is to protect children, not to punish them.
The Legal Affairs Division has established the Criminal Law Reform Committee (CLRC) to recommend changes.
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The Legal Affairs Division has established the Criminal Law Reform Committee (CLRC) to recommend changes.
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Azalina said the law treats minors as victims because they don't have the legal capacity to consent to sex.
"If victims are also prosecuted, it could discourage them from seeking help and justice," she said.
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"If victims are also prosecuted, it could discourage them from seeking help and justice," she said.
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Data show sexual crimes against children are rising in Malaysia.
Reported cases jumped 53.2% between 2020 and 2024.
The number of victims rose 55.7% in the same period.
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Reported cases jumped 53.2% between 2020 and 2024.
The number of victims rose 55.7% in the same period.
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The government's position is clear: Offenders must be brought to justice while victims must be protected.
The review of the law will uphold this principle, Azalina said.
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The review of the law will uphold this principle, Azalina said.
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However, a Muslim lawyers' association has proposed lowering the age of consent from 16 to 14, arguing that Syariah law places more emphasis on maturity rather than age.
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The association's president, Musa Awang, said judges should have the power to assess maturity.
He said Syariah courts could also hear cases that involve Muslim couples but are acquitted in civil court.
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He said Syariah courts could also hear cases that involve Muslim couples but are acquitted in civil court.
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He also suggested that under Syariah law, young offenders could be released with a warning, placed under parental supervision, or required to observe a good-behaviour bond.
Read more : nst.com.my/news/nation/20…
Read more : nst.com.my/news/nation/20…
