Increase in Terengganu rape cases involving juvenile suspects 'alarming', say police
By Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah
KOTA BARU: Terengganu's top cop has sounded the alarm over the increase in rape cases involving juvenile suspects.
Terengganu police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin said 25 rape cases were recorded between January and March this year, compared with 21 cases during the same period last year.
"This marks an increase of four cases or 19 per cent," he added to the New Straits Times.
He said 17 people were arrested in connection with the cases, and that many of them were juveniles.
Khairi said he believes easy access to pornography online and peer influence are key factors.
"There are also instances where both the victim and suspect willingly engaged in sexual activity out of curiosity or a desire to experiment, without considering the consequences, such as teenage pregnancies and childbirth out of wedlock," he said.
On incest cases, Khairi said police were concerned that there were victims who were not coming forward to lodge reports.
"Without their cooperation or a police report, we are unable to assist them.
"In most incest cases, the suspects are adult males who are either biologically related to the victim or have a close familial relationship.
"This often contributes to the victim's fear of coming forward to lodge a report."
From January to March this year, five incest cases were recorded compared with three cases in the same period last year.
"All five suspects were arrested and four have been charged in court," Khairi said.
He added that most suspects were students or unemployed men, aged between 25 and 64.
"The victims were as young as 12 and up to 24 years old.
Khairi urged parents to be more proactive in monitoring their children's activities online and social interactions, and to educate them on making responsible decisions.
"I also call on community leaders, educators and social organisations to play a more active role in boosting awareness and preventing the spread of harmful influences among youth," he added.
Source : increase-terengganu-rape-cases-involving-juvenile-suspects
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