WANITA MCA has urged the public to delete and cease circulating videos of the attempted sexual assault of a minor girl at a mosque.
“Kindly respect the privacy of the victim and her family members as they deal with this traumatic experience.
“Possession and dissemination of such videos constitute an offence under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017,” said Wanita MCA national deputy chairperson Tee Hooi Ling.
Wanita MCA also urged the government, through the Ministry of National Unity or the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, to allocate a separate budget of RM10 million to install CCTV systems in both Muslim and non-Muslim places of worship.
Tee said this would include both indoor and outdoor areas, such as prayer halls, classrooms, libraries, common areas, multipurpose halls, and the surrounding premises.
“The installation of these CCTVs is essential not only to prevent sexual assaults but also to ensure the safety and security of all devotees, guests, property and assets in places of worship.
“These systems will help deter and capture evidence of any type of violence, crime, or misdemeanour — including pickpocketing, vandalism, theft, physical assault, verbal altercations, fights, and trespassing after gates have been locked and others,” she said.
The MCA’s call follows the recent attempted sexual molestation and assault of a minor girl in a mosque.
While the mosque involved in this incident had CCTV cameras installed, it is important to recognise that not all places of worship are equipped with such measures, said Tee.
“The reality is that religious institutions, both Muslim and non-Muslim, do not or simply may not have the financial means to afford CCTV systems for the safety of their adherents, visitors and premises.
“It is essential that we take proactive steps to safeguard our places of worship and ensure they remain secure sanctuaries for all who seek peace, reflection, and worship,” she added. – February 25, 2025
