
Do not mistake grooming as teenage infatuation, says Wanita MCA chief
The authorities must urgently secure an interim order to prevent any further contact between the suspect and the child. This is essential to ensure her safety and emotional well-being. The presence of visible kiss marks suggests clear signs of grooming and inappropriate behaviour. Wanita MCA urges the authorities to pursue charges under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act without leniency. At 14, a child is not legally or emotionally capable of giving informed consent. There is a real possibility that she may have been coerced or psychologically manipulated.

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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Retired driving instructor charged with sexual assault
A former driving school instructor was accused of allegely committeing physical sexual offences againts a teenage girl at a driving school at Kampung Paloh here. IPOH: A former driving school instructor has been charged at the Sessions Court here for alleged sexual assault against a teenage girl last month. Lim Chin Leong, 60, pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act before judge Jean Sharmila Jesudason on Friday (Aug 1). He was alleged to have touched the 17-year-old victim's hand and thigh at a driving school in Kampung Paloh on July 7 at 10am. If convicted, he could face imprisonment for up to 20 years and be subjected to whipping. He could also be put under police surveillance for up to three years at the end of his sentence. Deputy Public Prosecutor Qurratu'aini Khalifah proposed to the court to set bail at RM20,000 and for the accused to report to the nearest police station once a month and to stay away from the victim. Lawyer R. Rajasegaran, who represented the accused, pleaded for a lower bail as the accused is no longer working and is being taken care of by his accountant daughter, who earns about RM3,000 monthly. Jean Sharmila ordered the bail to be set at RM8,000 and for the accused to report to the nearest police station once a month and to stay away from the victim. She set Sept 12 for mention.


Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Focus Malaysia
Alarming surge in child sex crimes: Govt, Malaysians must respond seriously, says Wanita MCA
WANITA MCA has expressed grave concern over the sharp rise of sexual crimes against children in Malaysia, saying this deeply troubling trend demands urgent and coordinated action. Its national chairperson Datuk Wong You Fong was responding to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's satement on Tuesday (July 29) about the increase in reported cases of sexual crimes against children from 2,541 in 2020 to 3,892 in 2024—a rise of 53.2%. Calling on the government to implement a comprehensive, cross-ministerial strategy to address the crisis before it worsens, Wong said the figures are not just numbers but represents a real child, a family and a life affected by trauma. Recently, a 14-year-old Chinese girl who had gone missing for over four days was found by police in Batu Pahat. A 47-year-old man was arrested in connection with her disappearance. It is believed he lured her through an online game, using luxury goods and false promises. 'This case underscores the dangerous misuse of technology and highlights critical failings in both family and societal safeguards,' Wong stressed. 'Data presented by Zahid at the Malaysian National Social Council also revealed that the number of child victims increased from 2,561 to 3,988 during the same period—a rise of 55.7%. 'These alarming figures point to serious gaps in Malaysia's child protection system that must be urgently addressed.' Wong further called for the establishment of a Child Protection Task Force, involving the Education, Home Affairs, Women, Family and Community Development as well as Communications Ministries, saying this task force should coordinate investigations, strengthen monitoring, and introduce targeted preventive measures. 'Other countries such as Australia, Singapore and Finland have already introduced cross-agency frameworks to prevent child sexual abuse,' she said. 'These include compulsory education in schools, clear protection and reporting systems, national databases to track high-risk individuals, enhanced digital investigation capabilities, and greater support for families.' Wong also urged Putrajaya to fast-track the introduction of a 'Digital Action Plan for Child Protection', especially with the increasing complexity of online crimes involving deepfake technology and grooming. She said it is vital that police and social workers are equipped to identify and handle tech-enabled sexual offences. 'While the government must lead, families and society play an equally critical role. Parents and carers are the first line of defence,' she remarked. 'They must strengthen children's understanding of personal safety, build trust, and create safe spaces for children to speak out. The public must also break the silence, report suspected abuse, and uphold a shared commitment to protecting every child.' ‒ July 31, 2025


The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Do not mistake grooming as teenage infatuation, says Wanita MCA chief
THE recent case involving a 14-year-old girl who went missing and was found four days later with a 47-year-old man, referred to as her 'boyfriend', is deeply troubling. Wanita MCA expresses relief that the girl was found and appears physically unharmed. However, the nature of her disappearance raises serious concerns about child grooming and possible sexual exploitation. This must not be mistaken for a mere teenage infatuation. It is a matter involving the potential abuse and manipulation of a child by an adult more than three times her age. The authorities must urgently secure an interim order to prevent any further contact between the suspect and the child. This is essential to ensure her safety and emotional well-being. The presence of visible kiss marks suggests clear signs of grooming and inappropriate behaviour. Wanita MCA urges the authorities to pursue charges under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act without leniency. At 14, a child is not legally or emotionally capable of giving informed consent. There is a real possibility that she may have been coerced or psychologically manipulated.