KUCHING: The second Court for Sexual Crimes Against Children in the country has been set up here in Kuching.
Officiated by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato’ Sri Rohani Abdul Karim, this specialised court would speed up the settlement of cases within six months after registration of the case.
“The quicker the case is settled, the better it is for the well-being of the child who is the victim.
“These children have gone through a great deal of trauma and if it’s not resolved as soon as possible, it can affect the outcome of the case and have a negative effect on their mental health.
“Proceedings that go on for a long time will affect the outcome of the case because the victim, who is at a young age, will not be able to recall what happened or they will feel ashamed.
“This will also cause the government to not be able to punish the perpetrator and bring them to justice.
“But a proceeding that is quick and efficient will decrease the suffering of the child, who will be given the appropriate intervention with hopes that they will be able to move on with life,” she said.
She added that the court would be equipped with facilities to create an environment that would be appropriate for the victims so that they feel safe and comfortable.
Among the facilities provided are a Court Recording and Transcription (CRT) system and a witness and waiting room that are completed with video-link facilities.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that child sexual perpetrators are brought to justice and punished accordingly to the weight of their crimes.
“All parties including the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the community have to work together,” she said.
Apart from handling cases registered in Kuching, the court would also take on cases that have been registered in Samarahan, Serian, Simunjan, Bau and Lundu.
The officiation ceremony took place at the Kuching Court Complex here yesterday.
Also present were Minister of Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family, and Childhood Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah and Chief Judge of The High Court of Sabah and Sarawak, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Richard Melanjum.
