Minister for Women, Family, and Community Development Dato’ Seri Nancy Shukri has reaffirmed that children, regardless of gender, must be protected in cases of underage sex. Wanita MCA fully supports the position that children should not face punishment when their partners are charged with statutory rape. This is especially crucial following recent suggestions that underage girls in “consensual” cases could be charged alongside their partners.

Punitive measures should not be the default model for dealing with children in such situations. The reality is that many of these children may not fully understand their actions or the consequences of underage sexual relations. Because of this, Malaysia urgently needs a perspective that protects children through preventive measures, education, and stronger awareness of bodily autonomy.

Furthermore, children deserve guidance, protection, and second chances. Their emotional, psychological, and social development is still not complete, and they cannot be judged by the same standards as adults. Approaching these cases with overly harsh methods risks more harm to their psyche and wellbeing. Proper sexual education, access to counselling, and stronger family and community support systems are what will truly safeguard them.

Wanita MCA reiterates our previous statements that stronger preventive measures are essential. Schools must provide compulsory modules to help children recognise grooming behaviours, assert personal boundaries, and learn to say “no.” Teachers, counsellors, and parents need to be equipped to create safe environments where children feel supported to report concerns. These modules should be sensitive and adapted to Malaysia’s cultural and religious contexts while firmly grounded in the principles of safeguarding our children’s safety.

At the same time, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) must collaborate with the Ministry of Communications to raise awareness online. Public service campaigns, infographics, and videos can highlight the signs of grooming and exploitation. Social media platforms popular among young people must also take responsibility to monitor, report, and block grooming-related content.

To address a related matter, Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat has claimed that nearly 90% of statutory rape cases reported in the state involve consent by both parties. While current laws lean towards prosecuting only men, we must not turn this into a gender issue. All children, regardless of gender are susceptible to child grooming, sexual exploitation and rape and thus, must be equally protected.

As Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman has pointed out, the existing Penal Code already governs statutory rape.

Equally, the Sexual Offences Against Children Act and the Child Act provide the framework to protect minors. These laws must be upheld consistently, without attempts to reinterpret them in ways that undermine their purpose.

Datuk Wong You Fong
Wanita MCA National Chairperson

25 September 2025

-MCA Comm-