Recent remarks by Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat and his suggestion of charging or “rehabilitating” minors who are caught in these acts raise attention to the seriousness of the existing dilemma of child sex crimes and other activities surrounding them that can bring upon harm.

A wider conversation he has sparked where we must not ignore, it reminds us that Malaysia urgently needs to strengthen our approach by protecting minors through education, awareness, and support.

Existing measures under our country's legislation for protection, care and rehabilitation of children are included in the Child Act and Sexual Offences Against Children Act (SOAC). While rehabilitation programmes for victims are important, they cannot stand alone.

Sexuality education

We must take the next step by reviewing the existing teaching of sex education in our school curriculum. This is not about encouraging children to engage in sexual behaviour but about equipping them with the knowledge to understand boundaries, to recognise grooming, and to respect themselves and others.

The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and the Ministry of Health government should urgently engage with researchers and experts on reproductive health, safeguarding children.

These Ministries combined should establish a joint task force, review and produce a report on the effectiveness of existing sex education modules taught over the decades. If effectiveness or even specialised manpower have been less than satisfactory, this task force needs to identify shortcomings on the existing syllabus and offer viable solutions.

Modifying the name of the sex education module alone will not help stymie the dilemma of statutory rape or teenage pregnancies.

PEERS

The Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEERS) is set to be incorporated into the 2027 school curriculum. However with 2,752 teenage pregnancies involving girls under 18 were recorded across Malaysia in 2024, signaling a slight climb from 2,737 cases in 2023 as reported in Parliament in August this year -this rising trend necessitates for PEERS to be implemented soonest possible. A phased implementation could allow for adjustments based on feedback from the programme's initial rollout.

The success of the PEERS module does not solely rely on having accurate information. It also depends on how well teachers are trained and prepared to deliver it. Preferably, the teachers should be specialised in reproductive health and safeguarding children.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has said the programme is meant to empower both students and teachers. But to do that effectively, teachers need to be ready to talk about topics that may feel sensitive or uncomfortable, in a way that respects cultural values and the diverse backgrounds of students. It is not just about knowing the facts, but also about being able to share them with care and understanding.

For the PEERS module to truly make a difference, it needs to be introduced in a way that includes everyone. Addressing teenage pregnancy is not just about changing the school curriculum. It is about making thoughtful, informed decisions that help young people grow up with the knowledge and support they need to make responsible choices.

Tackling child grooming

Child grooming is a serious crime, often carried out by adults through online platforms, social media, or even face to face. Minors can be manipulated, coaxed, or even threatened into believing that a predatory relationship is consensual, especially if it is through personal connections such as a family friend or even family themselves. To punish them criminally for such acts, under the guise of manipulated consent, is not only counterproductive but ethically indefensible. It places the blame on the very victims we should be protecting.

When minors engage in sexual activity, the issue is not about who is at fault, but about the absence of adequate education. The only way to prevent harm driven by curiosity or manipulation is to teach children early, in age-appropriate ways, about sexual relations, respect, and personal safety. Modules must cover safe and unsafe touches, the right to say “no”, and the importance of respecting gender and consent.

Safeguarding children requires more than legal frameworks. It requires a commitment to education that empowers young minds before harm takes place.

Datuk Wong You Fong
Wanita MCA National Chairperson

24 September 2025

-MCA Comm-