Department provides legal assistance to victims of sexual exploitation

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 13): The Legal Aid Division (JBG) has been tasked to assist children and their families who have recently become victims of sexual crimes and exploitation in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the government will not compromise on child oppression as children are the country’s next generation and their welfare is a shared responsibility.

“I have contacted the Director of the JBG and directed the department to assist the children and their families who have been victims of this horrific incident by providing a ‘legal counselling service’.

“I am deeply saddened and strongly condemn the incident involving the case of 402 children who were victims of sexual crimes and exploitation in 20 charities… I understand that investigations are still ongoing,” she said in a Facebook post on Friday.

Azalina said the government is strongly committed to the welfare and safety of children and places a lot of emphasis on this.

She said the Madani government has implemented several measures and initiatives, including amending the Child Witness Evidence Act, which was passed during the previous session of parliament.

“The amendment is appropriate and timely because it provides for the ability of child witnesses to testify in any proceedings, and eliminates the requirement for mandatory supporting evidence,” she said.

A total of 171 people were arrested on Wednesday (September 11) after police raided 20 charity homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan in their investigation into a business that allegedly exploited children and religion.

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said police also rescued 402 persons aged 1 to 17 years.

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