Malaysian court sentences father to 10 years’ jail and 20 lashes after he admitted to raping his own daughter, highlighting a surge in child sexual abuse cases.
A lorry driver from Meru, Klang, was sentenced to 10 years in jail and 20 strokes of the rotan by the Sessions Court after pleading guilty to raping his biological daughter on two separate occasions. The case, presided over by Judge Siti Aminah Ghazali, underscores the growing concern over child sexual abuse in Malaysia and the judiciary’s firm stance against such crimes
Father Sentenced for Heinous Crime
The 37-year-old father, who was unrepresented in court, admitted to raping his daughter, then aged 10 and 11, at their family home in November last year and again in May this year. The court handed him two concurrent 10-year jail terms and ordered 20 lashes, the minimum prescribed under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code for such offences. The judge also mandated that he undergo counselling and be placed under police supervision for two years after his release
Courtroom Pleas and Prosecution’s Stand
During sentencing, the father pleaded for leniency, citing his responsibility towards his wife and two children. He expressed remorse and promised to change. However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Jannah Aimi pressed for a heavy penalty, emphasizing that as a parent, the accused had a duty to protect, not betray, his child. She highlighted the lifelong trauma inflicted on the victim and the alarming rise in sexual crimes against children in Selangor.
Alarming Trend of Child Sexual Abuse
This case is part of a disturbing trend in Malaysia, where authorities have recorded a surge in child sexual offences. In 2022 alone, Selangor police documented 387 child abuse cases, with biological parents among the main perpetrators. Nationally, over 5,500 cases have been prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 since 2018, reflecting both increased reporting and growing public awareness
Other Recent Cases Highlight Systemic Issues
On the same day, the Sessions Court also heard the case of a 19-year-old university student who pleaded guilty to sexually violating his eight-year-old cousin. The youth faced three charges under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a maximum 20-year sentence and whipping for each offence. The court deferred sentencing pending a social welfare report, given the youth’s age
Calls for Stronger Safeguards and Reforms
Recent high-profile cases, including mass rescues of abused children from welfare homes, have prompted calls for stricter regulations and better oversight of care facilities. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia and other advocacy groups stress the need for comprehensive reforms to protect children and ensure justice for victims.
Broader Impact and Community Vigilance
These cases have sparked widespread outrage and renewed demands for robust preventive measures, victim support, and community vigilance. The Malaysian judiciary’s firm response sends a clear message: child sexual abuse, especially by those entrusted with care, will be met with severe punishment. The ongoing public discourse is crucial for driving legal reforms and strengthening child protection across Malaysia and the region.
The sentencing of the Meru lorry driver is a stark reminder of the urgent need for vigilance, legal reforms, and community support to combat child sexual abuse. For Indonesians and Singaporeans, the Malaysian experience underscores the importance of strong legal frameworks, public awareness, and coordinated action to safeguard children and ensure justice for victims.
Sources: NST (2025) , The Star (2025)
Keywords: Lorry Driver, Rape Case, Daughter, Sessions Court, Child Sexual Abuse, Malaysia
