KOTA BHARU, Sept 24 — The Kelantan state government has supported the proposal by the state’s police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat to review existing laws so that both parties involved in consensual statutory rape cases can be held accountable, and not just the male partner.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said it is unfair for only the male party to face legal consequences in cases where both individuals willingly engaged in sexual activity.
“The proposal shows that the Kelantan police chief is taking the issue seriously, and we share that concern. In cases of underage consensual sex, the girl should also bear responsibility.
“If the girl is simply let off without any warning or consequence, it gives the impression that there is no accountability on her part, despite her consent to the act. Such leniency could lead to the issue recurring,” he told the press after attending the State Executive Council Meeting at Kompleks Kota Darulnaim today.
Fadzli also suggested that the Federal government establish a special committee to study the proposal and determine appropriate measures for both parties involved.
“The punishment does not necessarily have to be criminal in nature, but it should serve as a lesson and form of education for both parties,” he said.
Fadzli explained that in most underage consensual sex cases, the male partner, if above the age of 16, is typically charged with rape, while the girl is not held liable.
“That’s why we believe both sides — male and female — must be held responsible. The state government supports the Kelantan police chief’s statement. This is not merely about punishment, but education and fairness,” he said.
On Monday (September 22), Yusoff stirred public debate after suggesting that legal action should be considered against both individuals involved in consensual statutory rape cases, rather than only prosecuting the male partner.
He said the issue will be further discussed with the relevant stakeholders, including the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department and the Education Department, to find more effective preventive measures.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail later clarified that the police chief’s statement reflected his personal views, driven by concern over the rising number of sexual offence cases in Kelantan.
