Parental Neglect Among Reasons Behind Worrying Surge In Underage Sex Cases In Kelantan
There was a 17.1% increase in statutory rape and incest cases recorded in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
By Sadho Ram — 10 Apr 2025, 12:57 PM
Kelantan is facing a growing crisis of statutory rape and incest, with an increase in cases every year, most of which involve consensual but illegal sexual activity among minors, according to the state police
The majority of victims and perpetrators are minors, with girls as young as 10 and boys aged 11 engaging in sexual relationships. Several of these cases resulted in pregnancies, reported Berita Harian.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said reported cases rose from 206 in 2023 to 252 last year, with a 17.1% increase recorded in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
"In the first three months of this year, we recorded 65 cases, mostly statutory rape and incest. This marks a more than 17% increase compared to 45 cases recorded during the same period last year," he said.
Mohd Yusoff described the rise in statutory rape and incest cases in the state as deeply concerning, noting a shift in behavioural trends where underage girls are now initiating sexual activity with boys
He described several distressing cases, including an 11-year-old boy who engaged in sexual activity with his 15-year-old cousin, and a 10-year-old girl who initiated relations with her 20-year-old uncle.
Both cases resulted in pregnancy, he revealed.
"The incident [involving the 11-year-old boy] was reported to us last week, and both claimed that they were in love," he said, adding that the boy was arrested after a police report was lodged.
"More tragic is [the case of] a teenage girl who is underage but had sex with up to five men," he added.
He also shared that 98% of the reported cases involved consensual activity
According to the police chief, investigations showed that the root causes stem primarily from family conflicts and parental neglect.
In addition, Mohd Yusoff said factors such as romance, lack of religious education, peer influence, and drugs also contributed to the activity.
Examinations of confiscated mobile devices revealed that minors were frequently storing and sharing explicit content, with some even exchanging nude photographs shortly after meeting new acquaintances.
"This situation is very worrying. There are also girls who bring their male friends home and sleep with them with their families' knowledge, but their families just let them do it," he said.
"Police were only informed through third parties, such as medical personnel treating the pregnant girls," he said, adding that he did not intend to expose the matter for sensationalism, but to raise awareness.
He urged all parties to take responsibility in combating the worrying trend, stressing that it should not be solely the police's responsibility
"Village heads and imams must take this issue seriously.
"They should report such incidents to the police and continue educating the public on the social consequences involved," he said.
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am - 5.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday (7pm - 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am - 11.30am), Saturday (2pm - 4pm)
Contact: +6082-368853
SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm - 12am)
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
