Selangor, Malaysia: Selangor has registered the highest number of sexual crimes in Malaysia over the last three years and 90% of the perpetrators are locals. SAC Siti Kamisah Hasan, principal assistant director of Sexual, Women and Children Research Department (D11), Bukit Aman, attributes the alarming trend to several factors, including economic activities, population density, living pressures and widespread access to the Internet.
Sexual crimes on the rise in Selangor, Malaysia
Selangor, a developed state surrounded by Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, and Perak, attracts residents from neighbouring regions, which contributes to its crime rate.
“Selangor’s developed status, combined with extensive internet access, a high number of universities, and even prisons, sees numerous sexual crimes being reported here,” Siti Kamisah explained during a town hall meeting at the Selangor Contingent Police Headquarters. Also present at the event was state police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.
After Selangor, Johor also has high rates of sexual crimes due to similar factors, particularly its large population. However, Siti Kamsiah did not provide specific statistics or the exact number of cases recorded in Selangor.
90% of perpetrators of sexual crimes are locals
Siti Kamisah noted that 90% of perpetrators of sexual crimes were locals and are often known to victims. These perpetrators include family, friends, and people in positions of trust, such as teachers. “Statistics indicate that most sexual crime cases involve individuals from the B40 economic category, driven by economic pressures and unsuitable home environments,” she noted.
Are women safe in Malaysia?
Datuk Hussein Omar Khan addressed the high rate of sexual crimes, noting that even the number of cases may not fully reflect the crime rate given that Selangor has a population of more than seven million and crime is under control. However, the police are taking the problem seriously. Preventive measures have been tightened, including increased patrols with Mobile Patrol Vehicles (MPV) and Motorcycle Patrol Units (URB).
In addition to these measures, police are working with local authorities to increase surveillance. “We are working to install CCTV cameras in strategic locations, including Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, and Klang,” Hussein added. These efforts aim to strengthen crime prevention and improve public safety in Selangor.
The continued focus on combating sexual crimes reflects authorities’ commitment to mitigating this serious problem and ensuring a safer environment for all residents. The overall strategy includes community engagement, technological improvements and increased law enforcement efforts to curb the incidence of sexual crimes in the state.
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