KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — Children involved in underage sexual relationships, regardless of gender, require guidance and rehabilitation rather than punishment, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The minister said such cases must be approached with protection and support to ensure minors are not burdened with stigma or long-term trauma.
“As children, they should be given the opportunity to learn from mistakes, recover, and rebuild their lives,” she said in a statement.
She further stressed that interventions should focus on counselling, structured education, and emotional support to guarantee the future wellbeing of children.
Nancy added that children’s development must be considered holistically, taking into account emotional, cognitive and social growth.
The minister also noted that existing laws and programmes already provide for intervention, protection and rehabilitation for children in conflict with the law.
This includes community-based rehabilitation and institutional placements such as asrama akhlak and other facilities.
Nancy added that adults bear the primary responsibility of guiding and protecting children and must not exploit them in any form.
She warned that in cases where exploitation or abuse is proven, the government will ensure strict enforcement of the law against perpetrators.
The statement follows recent public debate after Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat suggested girls involved in consensual sexual encounters with boys could also face action.
His remarks drew concern from child rights advocates and prompted clarification from both the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) and the federal government.
The OCC under Suhakam stressed earlier this week that girls under 16 cannot legally consent to sexual activity and must always be treated as victims.
The commissioner also explained that boys under 18 can face charges but are dealt with under juvenile justice principles that prioritise rehabilitation.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said previously reaffirmed Malaysia’s stance that “statutory rape is statutory rape,” in line with international standards.
