MALACCA: A 14-year old teenager has been arrested by police for allegedly “inciting a child to an act of gross indecency”.
His alleged crime: being in an intimate relationship with an eight-year old girl. The boy, who hails from Klebang, claimed their relationship was consensual.
Section 376 of the Malaysian Penal Code defines statutory rape as sexual intercourse with a girl under 16, whether consent is given or not.
“I was outraged when I heard about what is probably the youngest couple in the country,” said State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation committee chairman Datuk Wira Md Yunos Husin.
Apparently, the couple’s three-month long relationship only came to light when the girl’s mother discovered it recently.
The mother, 45, lodged a police report on Thursday after she was told about the affair by one of her daughter’s friends.
When questioned by her mother, the Primary Two pupil admitted to having indulged in sex with the boy on a few occasions since a month ago at the tuition centre.
The mother also wanted police to probe whether the boy had in his possession any videos or pictures taken during intimate encounters with the daughter.
Md Yunos said as the case involved minors, the investigation must be carried out delicately.
“I strongly feel the parents should also be held responsible. They must not be left alone after tuition classes, as it could present opportunities for them to engage in unsavoury acts.”
Police are investigating the mother's report under Section 377E of the Penal Code, but it was understood that no videos had been confiscated.
Chairman of the Malacca Action Group for Parents (Magpie) Mak Chee Kin also expressed dismay over the incident.
“How could they have gone to the extent of indulging in such intimacy at a tender age?” he said.
“At any case, we will monitor this case and see whether we could render legal redress to both parents.”
Malacca CID chief ACP Raja Shahrom Raja Abdullah confirmed the boy’s arrest and said the probe was ongoing.
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