17/07/2025

THURSDAY | JULY 17, 2025

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Advocates demand tough action over video PETALING JAYA: Child welfare advocates have voiced outrage over a video showing the alleged rape of a three-month-old infant, demanding the harshest possible punishment for both the perpetrator and anyone involved in distributing the footage. Persatuan Kebajikan Suara Kanak Kanak Malaysia executive director Anderson Selvasegaram said such crimes must be openly condemned and met with severe penalties to signal that society will never tolerate such acts. “Most people would never even engage with such horrific content. To learn that there are individuals willing to consume and circulate it shows just how depraved and morally bankrupt some people can be.” He added that in many cases, perpetrators are known to the victim or their family. Statistics show 75% of child abuse cases are committed by individuals familiar to the victim, and 50% by the victims’ own parents. “Unfortunately, prosecution rates for abuse-related crimes in Malaysia remain low and the same applies to online crimes of this nature. “While we have strong legislation, including the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which criminalises the production, distribution and possession of child pornography, laws alone are not enough.” Anderson stressed the need for more public education around the illegality of sharing or possessing such content, but warned that awareness must be matched by action. “These are serious criminal offences. What we need is more prosecutions, harsher sentencing and meaningful punishment.” Anderson called for stronger enforcement, wider public engagement and collective responsibility to protect children and send a message that such crimes will be met with the full force of the law. “Silence and inaction carry consequences. If you know someone is sharing this type of content, or suspect child abuse and choose not to report it, you are complicit in that abuse continuing. “What has allegedly happened in the video is beyond disturbing. No one should ever endure such trauma. “Social media is easily accessible with just a few taps on a phone. It can be a powerful tool, but in this case, it was used to commit an unspeakable evil.” Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution condemned the alleged video, pledging to enhance police capabilities to combat such crimes. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Shocking case of alleged infant rape, selling of footage

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Home minister urges media restraint as police begin investigations into disturbing crime

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Telegram. On another matter, Saifuddin confirmed that police have officially assumed leadership of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) to bolster the country’s response to online financial fraud. He said the decision, endorsed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was prompted by the growing scale and complexity of financial scams nationwide. Previously, the NSRC functioned as a collaborative initiative involving the National Financial Crime Prevention Centre, the police, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), but operated without a designated lead agency. “The NSRC’s 997 hotline now receives close to 500 calls daily. “According to the latest data from the National Social Council, reported losses have reached RM1.6 billion.” Under the new structure, the NSRC will be managed by the police’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department, with 139 new positions created to support its expansion. “Sometimes the victims do not even realise they are being abused. This often stems from psychological manipulation by the abuser, leading victims to doubt their memories and perceptions. “Abusers may distort facts, gaslight or blame the victims for things that didn’t happen, leaving them confused, helpless and traumatised. This can have a long term impact on their mental health and emotional well-being.” Noraini said the ministry is committed to enhancing policies, laws and support systems to better reach victims and communities. As part of this effort, the Aku Wanita@KRT programme was created as a strategic platform to raise awareness and empower survivors. “Through this programme, we explore the many facets of domestic violence with expert input, including stories from survivors who share their experiences to inspire others.” A key feature of the programme is “K-Chat”, a group therapy session involving survivors, trained counsellors and facilitators to help participants process their trauma and rebuild confidence.

PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail yesterday revealed a disturbing case involving the rape of a three month-old infant, which was allegedly filmed and distributed for sale. He said he was briefed on the case at midnight – an unusual hour that, he pointed out, underscores the gravity of the incident. “If a three-month-old baby is raped, filmed and the video is sold — that is absolute madness. “It’s something beyond what any of us can imagine,” he said during the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly. Saifuddin did not provide additional details, explaining that the briefing was preliminary and that investigations are still underway. “This isn’t about common crimes like theft or fraud – those follow predictable patterns. “But when something like this happens, even once, it demands our full attention.” He emphasised that the government’s immediate priority is

“The success demonstrates the strength of our intelligence capabilities. Without it, the arrests would not have been possible.” He made it clear that Malaysia will not tolerate its territory being used for terrorist recruitment or fundraising. “Our enforcement agencies are resolute, Malaysia must not become a platform for terrorist activities. There is zero tolerance when it comes to terrorism.” The suspects were detained during three separate operations in Selangor and Johor between April and June. Police believe the group had been attempting to recruit new Islamic State members from Malaysia’s migrant labour sector, targeting workers in factories, petrol stations and construction sites. Recruitment efforts were also believed to have been carried out via social media platforms such as population, with 379 cases last year. As of April this year, the state reported 104 cases, down from 130 cases in the same period last year. “Although there has been a slight decline, the figures still warrant serious attention. Many victims remain hidden, afraid to come forward due to fear, shame or not knowing where to seek help,” she said during the Women’s Well-being Advocacy Programme @Domestic Violence (Aku Wanita@KRT) in Terengganu, yesterday. Noraini stressed that domestic violence is not merely a private issue but a criminal offence and human rights violation that threatens family well-being. “Abuse remains widespread and often goes beyond physical harm. Many victims endure emotional, sexual, economic and psychological abuse, with long-term effects especially on women and children.” Noraini said most of domestic violence cases are perpetrated by individuals known to the victims, such as husbands, ex-husbands or boyfriends and the situation is worsened by the fact that many incidents go unreported.

to evaluate whether the police possess the capacity, resources and systems necessary to respond to crimes of such severity. Speaking to reporters later, Saifuddin urged the media to approach the issue with care and avoid sensationalising it. “If this is widely publicised, it could spark unnecessary polemics, even though it may be an isolated case. That’s why I raised it in an internal context. I hope the media will look beyond the headlines and appreciate the broader concern.” He confirmed that no further information, including the identity or location of the victim, would be released at this stage. At the same event, Saifuddin commended Malaysia’s intelligence services following the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals suspected of involvement in a foreign militant network operating within the country.

Terengganu tops domestic violence cases

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

year, following 7,116 cases recorded in 2024, according to police data. Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said Terengganu recorded the highest number of cases relative to

PETALING JAYA: A total of 2,467 domestic violence cases were reported nationwide as of April this

Noraini said most domestic violence cases are perpetrated by individuals known to the victims, such as husbands, ex-husbands or boyfriends and the situation worsens when the incidents are not reported. – AI GENERATED IMAGE BY THESUN TEAM

Private firms to expedite vehicle transfer inspections PUTRAJAYA: Vehicle ownership transfers are about to get quicker and more accessible, as the Transport Ministry brings in four private companies to conduct vehicle inspection services by Puspakom. The move comes amid mounting complaints over long waits and limited slots at existing centres. details such as the chassis and engine numbers and free from tampering or theft.

Carro Technology Sdn Bhd, Carsome Academy Sdn Bhd, Wawasan Bintang Sdn Bhd and Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd. Each firm has been granted a 12 month conditional approval period to complete preparations and meet the required conditions. – by Harith Kamal

March 17, 2023. “Public demand for faster, more convenient inspections has driven this change. We’re adding more centres focused on M.V.15 inspections to reduce congestion and improve service,” he said. The companies appointed are

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the new appointments reflect the government’s push to liberalise the vehicle inspection sector, following a Cabinet decision on

M.V.15 inspections are required by law before a private vehicle can be sold or transferred, ensuring it is roadworthy, matches registered

(M.V.15) for private car ownership transfers, previously handled only