Wanita MCA is deeply concerned and perplexed by the sentencing of 46-year-old Goh Sek Loong to just five years in prison and one stroke of the cane for the abduction and rape of a 15-year-old girl in Batu Pahat, Johor. He was charged under Section 376 (1) of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and caning upon conviction, but he only received a paltry number of years.

This punishment is woefully inadequate given the severity of his crimes, which involved grooming a minor, manipulation, and subjecting her to a traumatic sexual assault.

Many in our community are rightfully demanding a harsher sentence, as this case sets a dangerous precedent for how crimes against children are addressed in our justice system. A five-year term fails to reflect the gravity of grooming, abduction, and the lifelong trauma inflicted on the victim.

Comparatively, other jurisdictions impose far stricter penalties for similar offences - such as a 46-year-old man in Kelantan who received 72 years and 60 strokes of the cane for raping his underage daughter which happened last year. This disparity highlights the urgent need for sentencing reform to ensure child predators face proportionate consequences.

We strongly urge the authorities to reconsider the charges against him, including adding counts of child grooming (punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment), meeting after grooming (up to ten years’ imprisonment) and sexual communication with a minor (up to three years) given his deliberate exploitation of the victim over three months via online. All these sentences should be served consecutively - not concurrently- to ensure the full measure of justice is delivered.

The law must recognise the predatory behaviour that precedes such crimes, not just the act itself. Additionally, the prosecution should appeal for a longer custodial sentence, aligning with public outcry and the need to protect other vulnerable children from similar harm.

This case is not just about punishment - it is about justice for the victim and a clear message that our society should not tolerate the exploitation of minors. The current sentence undermines trust in the legal system and fails to deter future offenders. We join others in calling for a review to ensure the punishment truly fits the crime.

Datuk Wong You Fong
Wanita MCA National Chairperson

6 August 2025

-MCA Comm-