The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has pledged to provide support and counselling services to the family of a 13-year-old girl allegedly subjected to repeated sexual abuse by her grandfather in Johor.
However, Minister Nancy Shukri said the criminal investigation would be left entirely to the relevant enforcement authorities.
“As this is now a criminal case, we will leave the investigation to the authorities responsible for handling the matter,” she told reporters after officiating the opening of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal (TAGS) office and launching the e-TAGS system on Thursday.
Nancy said the ministry’s counselling team would reach out to the victim’s family to determine whether they require emotional support or counselling services.
“We have counselling teams that will contact the family to find out whether they wish to proceed or need assistance from us in terms of counselling.
“We need to provide support, but it also depends on the family, as some may wish to maintain their privacy,” she said.
She added that the ministry would nevertheless take the necessary steps to obtain reports related to the case and ensure appropriate intervention where required.
The case has attracted widespread public attention following the circulation of a viral video in which a 67-year-old retiree allegedly confessed to sexually abusing his granddaughter.
The suspect was remanded for six days on Wednesday to assist police investigations into allegations that the abuse occurred repeatedly over the course of a year.
The video sparked outrage on social media and prompted calls for strict action against the suspect.
Nancy stressed that KPWKM would continue to act in accordance with established standard operating procedures, noting that cases involving child victims require the involvement of ministry-appointed protection officers.
She said the ministry remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and ensuring that victims and their families receive the necessary support throughout the legal process.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case.
