SHAH ALAM, March 8 — The Selangor government has pledged a whole-of-state approach to address gender-based violence, after the state accounted for the highest number of rape cases in Malaysia though its per capita rate remains below the national average, said state executive councillor for women development and welfare Anfaal Saari.
She said the state is committed to strengthening prevention, enforcement, and survivor support systems.
“Every rape case is one too many. I express my deepest sympathy to and solidarity with all survivors.
“The Selangor government remains committed to strengthening our efforts to address gender-based violence and ensuring survivor support systems are continuously improved,” she told Media Selangor recently.
On February 24, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Selangor recorded the highest number of rape cases in the country between 2015 and 2025.
In a parliamentary written reply, he said Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) investigated 17,609 rape cases nationwide during the 11-year period, averaging more than four cases a day.
Of the cases investigated, 7,090 resulted in charges being filed in court. Selangor recorded the highest number with 3,392 cases, of which 1,575 were brought to court.
Johor was second with 2,006 cases and 806 charges, followed by Sabah with 1,817 cases and 505 charges, and Kedah with 1,465 cases and 465 charges. Meanwhile Perlis recorded the lowest number, with 275 cases and 116 charges.
Anfaal said Selangor had the lion’s share of cases due to its population size, emphasising that a deeper analysis would provide a clearer picture of the situation.
“Selangor is the most populous state in Malaysia. Based on available figures, Selangor records about 5.1 cases per 100,000 residents per year, compared with the national average of about 5.3 cases per 100,000 residents per year,” she said.
Prevention efforts
When asked about preventive education, she said programmes addressing sexual abuse in schools are under the jurisdiction of the Education Ministry (MOE) and PDRM.
However, she said, when cases involve children, support mechanisms include child protectors under the Social Welfare Department (JKM), counsellors, and other agencies to ensure victims’ welfare and safety.
“At the state level, we are ready to collaborate and support awareness and advocacy initiatives led by federal agencies and strategic partners,” she said.
To strengthen prevention, Anfaal said the state has launched the Campaign Against Violence Towards Women and Children under Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS).
The campaign was first held during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual global awareness campaign, before it was expanded into a year-long programme in 2025.
“In 2026, it will be conducted through a (five-stop) Wanita Selangor Tour, targeting 5,000 participants across Selangor,” she said.
She added that the programme is integrated with women empowerment initiatives such as the Career Comeback Programme conducted in collaboration with Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp) and the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO).
According to Anfaal, the state has also carried out the Child Protection Advocacy Programme — ’Kasih Kanak-Kanak’ (peer mentor initiative), in collaboration with JKM, PDRM, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and other strategic partners.
The programme includes modules on gender-based violence awareness, digital safety, and reporting mechanisms, and empowers peer mentors to act as early advocates and front-line support in their communities.
She added that the state government has also introduced environmental safety measures such as better lighting in pedestrian areas.
It takes a village
Anfaal stressed that addressing sexual violence requires strong cooperation across society.
“Addressing sexual violence requires a comprehensive whole-of-Selangor approach. It requires vigilant families, caring neighbours, and communities courageous enough to report (sexual offences).
“It also requires strong moral and religious education, firm enforcement, and a comprehensive survivor support system,” she said.
Anfaal added that the state government will continue strengthening collaborations with federal agencies, NGOs, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure Selangor remains a safe and liveable state for women and children.
