‘11 cases of sexual crimes against kids solved’
KUALA LUMPUR: The Special Court for Sexual Crimes against Children in Putrajaya has solved 11 of 62 cases since it started operations early last month.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said 62 cases were registered since the special court started operations on July 4.
“Of the 62 cases, 11 have been solved, 25 are being mentioned and 26 are on trial. The cases registered under the court will be solved or disposed of within one year from the date of registration.”
She was responding to a question from Da- tuk Dr Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong), who wanted to know the number of cases involving sexual crimes against children that were being tried in the court.
Azalina said the court had special infrastructures, such as a court-recording transcription system, an audio-visual system, a child witness room and a waiting room for child witnesses.
“The rooms are child-friendly and help vulnerable witnesses aged below 18 to record their statements without having to face the accused.”
She said judges presiding the cases in the special court comprised Jusa C grade judges.
She said the judges and prosecutors would ensure that all aspects of testimonies given by the victims and accused were carefully looked into.
She said the government was looking at expanding the special court to all states in phases, based on the number of cases registered in each state to reduce the number of sexual crime cases.
“The government will form a working committee to draft comprehensive standard operating procedures to handle such cases, taking into account the views of all parties, including the psychology of the children involved.
“These include stakeholders such as the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, police, Health Ministry, Education Ministry, United Nations Children’s Fund and other child non-governmental organisations.”
The special court in Putrajaya, said to be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on June 22.