PEOPLE who are aware of sexual abuse involving children but fail to lodge a police report can be fined up to RM5,000 under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, if found guilty.

Law and Institutional Reform Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said said in efforts to curb sexual offences against children, enforcement measures need to be aggressive and firm, including charging those close to the victims like teachers and neighbours who may be aware of such incidents, under section 19 of the act.

“I want to aggressively promote community awareness involving sexual abuse against children because if family members, teachers or neighbours are aware of such incidents and refuse to intervene, it would add on to the victims’ predicament as they might feel there is no one they can turn to,” Azalina said after launching the eKlinik 6G in Putrajaya today.

According to section 19 of the act, anyone who is aware of sexual abuse against children but fails to report the matter to the police can be charged in court and if convicted, fined up to RM5,000.

Azalina said she would be meeting police officers in the Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division and court authorities on enforcing the act.

She will meet children’s commissioner to discuss ways to improve community awareness programmes.

So far, nobody has been charged under the act. – Bernama, October 23, 2023.