Under-age rape: Over 9,500 cases reported since 2005

A total of 9,575 statutory rape cases were reported over five years from 2005, Deputy Home Minister AbuSeman Yusop said yesterday.

Police did not however have the statistics for 2000 to 2004, he told theDewan Rakyat when replying to Dr Fong Chan Onn (BN-Alor Gajah), whowanted to know the number of statutory rape cases reported from 2000 to 2010 and how they were handled.

Abu Seman Yusop said the ministry was committed to curbing rape, especially cases involving under-age victims. The police provide counselling service to the victims and referred them to the Welfare Department if they need protection, he said.

“Apart from that, police would continue investigations to gather evidence against the suspect. If the suspect was found guilty, the prosecution would ask for a deterrent sentence,” Abu Seman said.

 — Bernama