Malaysia’s rights body slams Kelantan’s shift of rape cases to Islamic enforcers

A bold stand for justice: Suhakam demands urgent action to protect children. Could this decision erode Malaysia’s constitutional safeguards for minors?

, and Administrator

2025 December 25 . 3:35 AM

1 min read

This image is clicked inside a room. There is curtain at the top. There is a sofa in the middle. On... — This image is clicked inside a room. There is curtain at the top. There is a sofa in the middle. On that there are so many children sitting. On the right side there is a woman. Children are holding mobile phones.

Malaysia’s rights body slams Kelantan’s shift of rape cases to Islamic enforcers

Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has strongly criticised a decision in Kelantan to hand over statutory rape cases to Islamic enforcement authorities. The commission insists this move must stop immediately, warning it could weaken constitutional protections and the rule of law.

Suhakam condemned the plan as a violation of children’s rights. The commission argued that statutory rape is a serious criminal offence and must remain under police investigation and prosecution.

While acknowledging the role of Islamic law and religious bodies, Suhakam stressed that child protection must come first. The group highlighted Malaysia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which requires the country to shield minors from sexual abuse and prioritise their welfare. The commission made it clear that giving religious authorities control over such cases risks undermining legal safeguards for victims. Suhakam called for urgent reforms to ensure the justice system upholds children’s best interests.

The controversy centres on Kelantan’s decision to shift statutory rape cases to Islamic enforcement. Suhakam’s stance reinforces that these offences belong in criminal courts, not religious tribunals. The commission’s warning highlights broader concerns about legal consistency and child safety in Malaysia.