WANITA MCA’s Wong said while the party commends the authorities for their efforts in managing the registry, it is believed that greater transparency and controlled public access are necessary to prevent future tragedies.
WANITA MCA has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise of sexual crimes in Malaysia and reiterated its call for the government to make the sexual offender registry accesssible under strict, tiered guidelines to ensure responsible use while preventing misuse and vigilante justice.
Its national president Datuk Wong You Fong was responding to Bukit Aman Criminal Investigations Department (CID) sexual, women and child investigation division (D11) statistics revealing a sharp increase in sexual abuse cases since 2022, with a total of 11,479 cases reported between 2022 and April 2025.
“As concerned citizens and advocates for public safety, we are deeply disturbed by this development in Malaysia,” she said in a statement on Thursday (July 10).
“This trend underscores the need for stronger preventive measures. To combat the ever-increasing rise of sexual crimes, Wanita MCA once again reiterates its stance to call for the government to make the sexual offender registry accessible under strict, tiered guidelines, ensuring responsible use while preventing misuse and vigilante justice.
“Key stakeholders—including schools, childcare providers, and parents—should have regulated access to this vital information.”
Wong said while the party commends the authorities for their efforts in managing the registry, it is believed that greater transparency and controlled public access are necessary to prevent future tragedies.
“This is not just about survivors—families, schools, and employers deserve to know if potential threats exist in their neighbourhoods or workplaces,” she stressed.
“We urge the government to revisit the current restrictions on the registry, ensuring that it serves its primary purpose: preventing repeat offenses and empowering communities with knowledge.
“At the same time, we must implement strict protocols to ensure this information is used responsibly, not as a tool for harassment or discrimination.”
According to Wong, the nation also needs stronger legislation to combat digital exploitation such as AI-generated abusive content and online grooming.
Support for survivors must improves as well. This includes expanding access to trauma care, confidential helplines, and legal assistance to survivors.
Workplaces and schools must enforce stringent anti-abuse policies, with clear whistleblower protections to encourage reporting.
“No solution is perfect, but inaction is unacceptable. We owe it to survivors, to families, and to future generations to strengthen both accountability and prevention, because no one should endure such horrific violation of their body and mind,” she added. ‒ July 10, 2025
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