119 sexual crimes against children

KUCHING: A total of 119 sexual crimes against children were registered in the state from June last year till April 1 this year, says Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Richard Malanjum.

And as of April 16 this year, 43 cases have been resolved while 76 others are still pending.

Among the factors contributing to the backlog of cases were judges and prosecutors being involved in other cases.

Apart from that, it needs dedication and expertise of the judges and prosecutors in handling such cases.

I hope, with the special court, the proceeding of such cases could be expedited and could be disposed of more quickly,” he said in his welcoming speech at the launching of the Special Court for Sexual Crime Against Children at the Kuching High Court Complex here yesterday.

The court was officially declared open by Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato’ Sri Rohani Abdul Karim.

Also present was Minister of Welfare, Community Well-Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.

Justice Malanjum said the court plans to hold an education programme at schools through talks and workshops to create awareness on sexual crime against children.

He assured that those convicted of the sexual crime against children would be given a deterrent sentence.

Justice Malanjum hoped that a similar court would be set up in Sabah.