A DISTRESSING case involving a 15-year-old girl in Kelantan offering sex services via the Telegram app, after herself becoming a victim of rape, has sharply highlighted the profound and dangerous consequences of unaddressed trauma.
According to Siti Fatimah Abdul Ghani, a Senior Psychology Officer from the Human Resource Services Division at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), the effects of rape are not just short-term but leave a lasting impact on a victim’s emotional, psychological, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. She stressed that the teenager's situation should not be dismissed, as it involves complex psychological, social, economic factors, and a high risk to personal safety.
“Adolescents who have been victims of rape or sexual abuse are more at risk of getting involved in situations like this. Trauma that is not treated can make them lose direction, feel worthless, and then seek the wrong way out,” she told Harian Metro today.
Siti Fatimah cited several potential reasons for teenagers, such as the one in the case, to offer sex services.
These include financial problems, peer influence, social media exposure, a lack of family affection, an absence of moral awareness, and inadequate sexual education.
She also noted that some teenagers are influenced by the 'sugar baby' culture or the lure of a luxurious lifestyle, while others are entrapped due to strained family relationships and a lack of attention.
“This issue is not merely a problem of 'naughty' teenagers, but more about exploitation, a void in the soul, and a weak support system. If not addressed, it can recur and jeopardise their future,” she warned.
The Way Forward: Family and Support
Siti Fatimah emphasised that the role of the family is crucial in educating and monitoring children, ensuring open communication, and providing sufficient love and attention.
She added that proper sexual education, grounded in religious principles and local culture, must be prioritised so that teenagers understand the concepts of self-worth, honour, and personal safety.
“Trauma treatment through counselling is also very important to help victims rebuild self-confidence. School counsellors, NGOs, and adolescent shelters can be a medium of support,” she advised.
She also urged the community to play an active role by reporting individuals or syndicates that exploit teenagers, alongside holding awareness campaigns in schools and communities.
The matter came to light on 22 September when a 43-year-old single mother filed a police report claiming her 15-year-old daughter was offering sex services via Telegram.
Initial investigations revealed that the first service was allegedly provided for free, with payment required for subsequent encounters.
The teenager, a secondary school student, has since been referred to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) for further action.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, confirmed that the teenager was initially a rape victim and that police are investigating the actual factors that led her to offer commercial sex on Monday. - September 30, 2025
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