a day ago
Porn, neglect blamed for rise in teen rape cases in Johor
JOHOR BARU: Police have raised the alarm over a sharp rise in teenage rape cases in the state, linking the disturbing trend to online pornography, lack of parental supervision, and eroding moral values among youths.
Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar said 54 cases involving teenage victims were recorded between 2023 and 2024, with most linked to easy access to lewd content on social media and broken family structures.
"These children are falling through the cracks. Many come from homes lacking love, attention or parental control," he said in his speech at the Johor police monthly assembly at the state contingent grounds today.
He said many cases also stemmed from ignorance of sexual crime laws and the absence of early parental intervention.
He said that parents must instil moral discipline and religious grounding from a young age.
The police's Sexual Crimes Unit (D11) had been actively conducting school outreach programmes to raise awareness on the dangers and consequences of such offences.
Separately, Kumar acknowledged that police officers are also facing mounting psychological pressure due to workload and personal stress.
To address this, the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) has introduced a mental health intervention initiative, "Let's Get Together with Your Counsellor," and briefings to help supervisors detect early signs of distress among personnel.
"Good leadership requires empathy. Officers who lead with the heart will preserve the dignity and performance of the team," he said.
Despite internal challenges, Kumar said the Johor police contingent had delivered strong results.
Between January and May, the Criminal Investigation Department recorded a 59.64 per cent crime resolution rate, while the Narcotics Department made 10,794 arrests, seized RM83.18 million worth of drugs, and froze RM7.49 million in assets.
The department also crippled 21 drug syndicates, arresting 58 members and seizing RM81.07 million worth of narcotics.
Meanwhile, the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) continues to battle online scams through cybercrime units, the CCID Scam Response Centre, and public education efforts via the portal.
"My advice is, if it's too good to be true, it probably is. Don't share your OTP. Don't click unknown links," he warned.
Kumar also said five raids on subsidised palm oil thefts netted RM1.11 million worth of goods, while another operation saw the seizure of RM48,000 in untaxed cigarettes.
On road safety, he said accidents remain on the rise due to reckless driving.
"No amount of enforcement will work if the mindset does not change. Road safety starts with personal responsibility," he added.
The assembly concluded with Kumar presenting certificates of excellence to officers and civilians who had contributed to public safety and internal reforms.
"Let this be a reminder that honest, consistent effort never goes unnoticed.
