PUTRAJAYA: The government and the Judiciary Department today launched a comprehensive set of special guidelines aimed at strengthening the handling of sexual offences against children.
Chief Judge of Malaya, Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, said the Special Guidelines for Handling Sexual Offences Against Children 2025 were developed to ensure every case involving minors is addressed with sensitivity, consistency, and compassion.
“Every child who becomes a victim of sexual crime must be protected, heard, and given justice in an environment that is safe, empathetic and dignified.
“This document is not merely a technical guide but a holistic framework that integrates legal, psychological, and welfare perspectives to ensure a justice process that is truly child-centred,” she said at the launch of the guidelines at the Palace of Justice here today.
She said the judiciary viewed the rising number of sexual offences against children, including molestation, rape and online exploitation, with grave concern. She said such cases demand an approach that goes beyond legal procedures.
She said the guidelines were designed to prevent the legal process from becoming another source of trauma for victims, while creating a path toward healing and protection.
Hasnah said the judiciary hoped the guidelines would reinforce public confidence in the justice system’s commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of children.
“I urge everyone to not only read these guidelines but to internalise and practise them with professionalism, responsibility and empathy. Let justice be not only upheld but truly felt, especially by those who need it most,” she said.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said this initiative aligns with Malaysia’s commitment under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which affirms every child’s right to be protected from abuse and exploitation.
She said the guidelines are not merely a technical enhancement but represent a comprehensive, trauma-informed justice approach.
“They have been revised to adapt practices to current challenges, the rise in new cases, and changes in the law.
“The guidelines emphasised four key components, namely – ethical reporting and early investigation that minimize trauma to victims; child-friendly court procedures, including the use of video recordings and live-link testimony; appointment of witness supporters or legal companions to assist victims; and continuous psychosocial support and post-trial rehabilitation.
“The guidelines also outline regular training for all relevant parties — investigating officers, prosecutors, judges, welfare officers, and health professionals — to ensure implementation in line with the spirit of child protection.
“Although the guidelines are not yet legally binding, they serve as an important foundation for harmonising best practices across agencies and pave the way for future gazettement as mandatory procedures,” she added.
The guidelines were developed under the leadership of the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU), with contributions from various ministries, enforcement agencies, legal experts, child specialists and Unicef Malaysia.
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