THE majority of rape cases reported in Kelantan involve consensual acts between teenagers, often influenced by exposure to pornographic materials, according to state police.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat revealed on Wednesday that investigations into mobile phones belonging to the teens involved frequently uncovered explicit content, which he described as a catalyst for such acts.
“Although the acts were consensual, if they involve a female under the age of 16, it is still categorised as rape under the law,” he said. “These cases usually come to light after reports are lodged by parents, teachers or medical professionals.”
He was speaking at a press conference after officiating the *Citra Remaja Unggul* programme at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ismail Petra.
Also present were Kelantan State Education Department Director Siti Norina Muhamad and Kelantan State Health Department Director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin.
According to Mohd Yusoff, from January to September 2025, Kelantan police recorded 349 sexual crime cases, compared to 257 during the same period last year — an alarming 35.8 percent increase, or 92 more cases.
“The rising numbers reflect an urgent need for all parties to take more serious action in addressing these increasingly disturbing social ills,” he said.
He warned that the moral fabric of society is under threat, highlighting that the problem is not limited to urban areas but has spread into rural communities and small districts.
“One of the greatest challenges we face today is not only economic, but one of morality and the dignity of our people,” he stressed. “Rape and incest have become dangerous social enemies that undermine family harmony and destroy the future of our youth.”
Mohd Yusoff added that these are not just statistics but represent a grim reality that violates dignity, scars victims, and jeopardises the family unit — the cornerstone of a civilised society.
Kelantan Drug Rings Lures Schoolchildren With Lavish Lifestyles
On a separate development, drug syndicates in Kelantan are deliberately flaunting their wealth to lure schoolchildren into the drug trade, according to the state’s top police official.
Mohd Yusoff revealed today that some drug kingpins are using their lavish lifestyles as a recruitment tool to attract impressionable students.
“They (drug bosses) showcase their wealth to capture the interest of students. Eventually, these students become influenced and start off with small roles.
“Once they see the lucrative returns, they become further entangled,” he said during a press conference on Wednesday.
The disclosure followed his officiation of the Citra Remaja Unggul youth development programme at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Ismail Petra.
Also present were Kelantan State Education Department Director, Siti Norina Muhamad, and Kelantan State Health Department Director, Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin.
Mohd Yusoff said the revelation was based on intelligence received by police, with monitoring efforts now intensified to curb the worrying trend.
In the same press conference, he confirmed that 12 school students had been arrested for drug offences between January and September this year.
“Of that number, five students were detained in Kota Bharu, four in Tanah Merah, two in Pasir Mas and one in Bachok,” he said.
Police say they are working closely with education and health authorities to stem the influence of drug culture among youth, with schools being seen as a frontline in early prevention. - October 22, 2025
