KUCHING: A new non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to combating sexual harassment against children will be registered with the Registry of Societies Malaysia (ROS).
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said that the NGO, whose name will be disclosed until official registration is done, aims to prevent such incidents through education and community support.
“We expect to complete the registration process soon,” Fatimah told reporters after her meeting with ROS Sarawak director Georgina Apphhia Ngau today (Feb 16).
The NGO plans to build a community support system that includes training educators, promoting community involvement, launching media campaigns, and creating partnerships with other entities.
“It’s about establishing a network that can educate and protect our children from sexual harassment,” she said.
Fatimah, who also the protem committee’s patron, stressed the urgency of accelerating legal actions and court processes for victims, a step she deemed crucial for safeguarding their mental health and future prospects.
“Speeding up these processes is vital for the victims’ recovery, enabling them to continue their education and work towards a promising future,” she added.
Recent statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) revealed a concerning trend: 76 cases of rape involving children aged 11 to 12 were reported between 2017 and 2023. In the same period, 11 cases of rape and 12 cases of sexual assault against children within the same age group were also documented.
