KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has stressed that the protection of children is a shared responsibility that demands serious attention from all levels of society.
Its Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, in response to a recent case involving a nasi lemak seller accused of raping his girlfriend’s underage daughter, said her ministry views the case seriously.
“Cases of this nature are deeply troubling and must not be tolerated in any society that values the safety and dignity of children,” she said in a statement today.
Nancy further said if no suitable or capable family members are available to care for the victim, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) is prepared to assume temporary custody to ensure her welfare and safety.
“In addition to physical protection, the victim will also receive appropriate psychosocial support to aid in her emotional and mental recovery,” she said.
She also called on members of the public to remain alert to signs of child abuse and not to remain silent in such situations.
“Any information related to abuse or neglect can be reported to the Talian Kasih hotline at 15999 or to the nearest JKM office,” she said.
Nancy added that her ministry would continue to strengthen preventive, rehabilitative and protective measures for the well-being of children in the country.
Earlier today, it was reported that Azaman Hasim, 61, pleaded not guilty in the Ampang Sessions Court to a charge of raping his girlfriend’s daughter.
He is charged with raping the girl, who was 12 years and four months old then, at a house in Taman Seraya in Kuala Lumpur in the middle of last year.
The man, who runs a nasi lemak business, is charged under Section 375 (g) of the Penal Code, which provides a maximum jail sentence of 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
In the same court, the girl’s biological mother, a 37-year-old security guard, pleaded not guilty to a charge of abetting in the rape at the same place and time.
The charge, under Section 109 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 376 (1) of the law, provides a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and whipping, upon conviction.
No bail was granted, and Judge Norshila Kamarudin set August 7 for mention on the submission of documents and appointment of counsel.
