Kelantan police chief suggests penalising underage girls in 'consensual' statutory rape cases

Girls involved in statutory rape cases should face legal actions along with their partners, suggested Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat.

According to Malaysiakini, Yusoff argued that following investigations, nearly 90 per cent of statutory rape cases in the state are "consensual".

"The law currently focuses on the prosecution of the male only, when investigations already show that both parties are consensual in most cases," he said, according to Sinar Harian.

Yusoff was speaking to the media on Sep. 21, while summarising the rising trend of rape and sexual crimes involving teenagers in Kelantan.

He said this suggestion will be discussed with the Attorney General's Chambers, Department of Islamic Welfare in Kelantan, as well as other related parties.

He stressed that this suggestion aims to ensure that a clear message is sent to teenagers not to be easily enticed into committing such crimes.

Tebrau MP rejects suggestion

On Sep. 22, member of parliament for Tebrau, Johor, Jimmy Puah, put up a Facebook post condemning Yusoff's suggestion.

Puah, a lawyer by training, said that such laws exist because children don't have the capacity to give consent.

"Although they may look like they 'like one another', we should ask: Is a child truly mature enough to make such decisions?

Do they understand the physical and emotional repercussions?

Can they truly make the choice for themselves, without being begged or forced?"

Puah also said that the suggestion could stigmatise such crimes and scare the victims from coming forward, closing the door to justice.

"Yusoff's statement is not only irresponsible but it also shows a misunderstanding about gender, age and power issues," he said.

Top image from Canva and Sinar Harian.