The Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 1972) states that individuals who are aware of sexual abuse involving children but fail to lodge a police report can be fined up to RM5,000, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).
In order to combat sexual offences against children, Azalina emphasizes the need for aggressive and firm enforcement measures, which includes charging individuals close to the victims, such as teachers and neighbors, who may have knowledge of the incidents, under Section 19 of the Act.
Azalina emphasizes the importance of community awareness and intervention in cases of sexual abuse of children. She believes that if family members, teachers, or neighbors are aware of such incidents but fail to intervene, it only adds to the victim’s distress, as they may feel helpless and without support.
Under Section 19 of the Act, individuals who are aware of sexual abuse against children but do not report it to the police can be taken to court and, if convicted, fined up to RM5,000.
Azalina plans to meet with police officers from the Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11) of the Royal Malaysia Police, as well as court authorities involved in the enforcement of the Act. She also intends to meet with the Children’s Commissioner to discuss ways to improve community awareness programs.
As of now, no one has been charged under the Act.
– Bernama
