Perikatan leaders raise concerns over NFA status for several harassment cases

The Star

a day ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional leaders have raised concerns over the "no further action" (NFA) status of several recent harassment cases, despite the presence of compelling evidence.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, together with Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Mersing MP Muhammad Islahuddin Abas, highlighted a case involving a young girl allegedly assaulted by a foreign worker at a shop.
"The situation is alarming, as clear evidence has emerged but no substantial action has been taken by the authorities," Wan Ahmad Fayhsal said at a press conference at the Parliament media centre here on Tuesday (Aug 12).
He claimed that the girl's father had confronted the shop owner and recorded a confession from the alleged perpetrator.
"The investigation revealed that the shop's CCTV was not operational during the incident, raising suspicions.
"However, the father now faces charges under the Penal Code and the Communications and Multimedia Commission Act for distributing the video of the confession," he said.
Expressing frustration over the handling of the case, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal questioned the rationale behind the NFA status of the girl's case, urging for more proactive measures to prevent similar incidents from escalating.
"As a father myself, this is hard to see because the father was only protecting his child.
"We cannot wait for another incident to escalate before taking action," he said.
Mas Ermieyati, head of Perikatan Nasional's Women's Wing, called for better training for police officers in handling such cases.
"There are many unreported cases because victims fear coming forward," she said, criticising the current legal system.
"Under Section 133A of the Evidence Act, a child's testimony can be accepted if they understand the questions," she noted.
They also claimed that in the case, which happened in February 2025, the child's statement had not been properly recorded, and the suspect was released without remand.
Both Wan Ahmad Fayhsal and Mas Ermieyati said Perikatan is ready to support the victim's family, urging the authorities to ensure justice is served effectively.
"If the father is charged, Perikatan Nasional will provide legal assistance. We will protect the victims of harassment and assault," added Wan Ahmad Fayhsal.