HOLISTIC APPROACH NEEDED TO CURB SEXUAL CRIMES INVOLVING MINORS - LEE LAM THYE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has urged for a holistic and coordinated national approach to tackle the rising number of sexual crimes involving minors, describing the trend as a serious moral and social crisis.

He said the increase in such cases reflects a breakdown in social control, declining moral values and a lack of understanding among youths of self-worth and responsibility.

“The main contributing factors include excessive exposure to pornographic and immoral content on social media, peer influence, poor parental supervision, and the lack of comprehensive sex and moral education in schools,” he said in a statement today.

Lee said children and teenagers now have easy access to inappropriate materials through their smartphones, often without proper filtering or guidance.

He added that the absence of love, attention and communication within families further contributes to the problem.

“Many young people who do not receive affection or guidance at home turn to external sources for validation and end up in risky relationships, sometimes becoming victims or perpetrators of sexual crimes,” he said.

To address the issue, Lee proposed the introduction of comprehensive sex and moral education in schools, not limited to biology, but focusing on respect for one’s body, personal boundaries and social responsibility.

He said parents should be equipped with the knowledge to identify behavioural changes in their children and to monitor their internet and social media use.

Lee also called on the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development to intensify preventive measures in schools and communities.

“This includes strengthening value-based education, expanding counselling services, deploying trained personnel for early intervention and working closely with parents and NGOs. Only through coordinated effort can we protect our young generation and ensure a safer future for all,” he said.

He stressed that the moral and mental well-being of today’s youth will determine the nation’s future, adding that tackling sexual crimes involving minors must be treated as a national priority supported by sustained action from all stakeholders.

--BERNAMA