Reported crimes involving women, children in Kedah doubled in 2025, says Home Minister
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said an average of 42 cases were reported each month in the first half of the year, compared with 16 in 2024.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this marked a significant increase.
"If we zoom in on Kedah, the 2024 data showed an average of 16 cases a month. But for the first six months of this year, that number has climbed to 42 a month, more than double the previous rate," he said during a press conference after opening the new Child Interview Centre (CIC) under the police's Women and Child Investigation Division (D11) in Derga, near here, today.
Also present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
Saifuddin said on a national scale, children under the age of 18 were involved in about 75 per cent of sexual crime cases reported yearly.
"In terms of this type of crime, there is a rising trend nationwide. When we look at the victims, children represent a disproportionately high share of reported cases," he added.
He said the figures only accounted for reported cases.
"Data on crimes of this nature often shows that the perpetrator is someone known to the victim, and a major challenge for investigators is to produce corroborative evidence," he said.
Saifuddin said the CICs were designed to strengthen investigations into crimes against children, particularly in gathering corroborative evidence that complemented statements taken by investigators.
"These centres conduct interviews with child victims in a manner that is admissible in court. The sessions are recorded, and the footage can be used during trial proceedings," he said.
Unlike conventional criminal investigations, he said officers assigned in CICs undergo training in areas such as psychology, counselling, and trauma handling.
He said currently, there were 31 CICs operating nationwide, with Kedah hosting two centres.
On the legal framework, Saifuddin said existing laws were applied effectively but said the government was open to amendments if necessary.
Saifuddin expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by D11 officers and pledged continued support for the division's needs in manpower, training, equipment, and logistics.
"We will continue to enhance their capacity, improve cross-agency collaboration, and evaluate any necessary legal improvements," he said.
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