About 91% of rape cases involving underage teens in Kedah stem from consensual sexual encounters, according to state police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah.
From January to September this year, police recorded 100 rape cases, with 91 linked to voluntary relationships between minors. Adzli described the trend as worrying and urged parents to play a more active role in addressing the issue.
“That’s why I stress we cannot stop tackling this problem,” he said. “Police, the Kedah State Education Department (JPN), teachers, and other agencies must work together across various areas to resolve it.”
He made the remarks during a media briefing after visiting SMK Hosba, alongside Kedah Education Director Abdul Rahim Mat.
Adzli advised parents to be more cautious, especially when their teenage children go out at night.
“If your 13- or 15-year-old is out late, why don’t you ask where they’re going? Why not question it? We need to bring back that old sense of community where people cared enough to ask questions — that ‘busybody’ culture helped keep kids in check,” he said.
He added that while police and schools have strengthened cooperation recently following a rise in juvenile crime nationwide, parents must also take responsibility.
“There must be balance. It’s not just about what happens in school — parents must monitor their children, especially their internet access, to prevent exposure to social problems,” he said.
Adzli also revealed that School Liaison Officers (PPS) have been assigned to conduct regular checks, particularly at schools identified as having high social risk.
“I’ve instructed the Patrol Car Unit (MPV) to monitor 30 hotspot schools across the state where social issues have been detected. If MPV units are tied up, officers from nearby stations or the Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB) will step in,” he said.
He added that these patrols aim to foster a sense of safety among students. “When students see uniformed police officers at school, it discourages them from doing anything wrong,” he noted.
The 30 hotspot schools include both urban and rural institutions, identified based on intelligence and reports before being flagged to the Education Department.
Adzli emphasized that no gangsterism-related cases have been reported in Kedah schools so far.
