Concern over underage sexual offences as 11-year-old impregnates 15-year-old cousin

IN a shocking revelation from Kelantan, police have reported that an 11-year-old boy has allegedly impregnated his 15-year-old cousin, a case that highlights the disturbing trend of underage relationships in the region.

State Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat disclosed that the incident, which came to light last week, has prompted authorities to detain the young boy for further investigation, while the girl has been placed in the care of the Department of Social Welfare (JKM).

"Cases of incest in Kelantan are increasingly worrying, as reports of underage rape continue to emerge on a yearly basis, often rooted in consensual relationships rather than coercion," Sinar Harian quoted Mohd Yusoff saying during a press conference at the Kelantan Police Headquarters on Wednesday.

He noted a significant rise in such cases: "Last year alone, 252 incidents were recorded, compared to 206 the previous year. From January to March this year, figures have surged by 15.6 percent compared to the same period in 2024."

Investigations indicate that a staggering 98 percent of rape cases in Kelantan involve consensual encounters. "What is particularly alarming is that many of these incidents involve minors, with a noticeable tendency for young girls to seek out relationships with boys," he added.

Yusoff disclosed findings from the investigation, revealing that the girl's phone contained numerous pornographic images and videos. "We discovered that she had willingly recorded and shared nude photographs and videos with new acquaintances made through social media."

He stressed the need for greater community vigilance, urging parents and educators to report any incidents of rape, particularly those involving incest, instead of concealing them.

"We are not merely trying to highlight the increase in rape cases in Kelantan; our goal is to address the underlying social issues at play."

According to police surveys, contributing factors to these abhorrent acts include family conflicts, romantic relationships, exposure to pornography, a lack of religious education, peer influence, and drug use.

Yusoff noted that approximately 30 per cent of reported cases of rape and incest can be attributed to drug involvement, as evidenced by urine tests conducted during investigations. - April 9, 2025