KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia must take urgent and coordinated action to protect girls from gender-based violence, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has warned, following reports of sexual assault, bullying, and killings across the country.
In a statement released today, Suhakam highlighted recent cases in Sabah, Melaka, Selangor, and Kedah, including gang rapes and fatal acts of violence that could amount to femicide.
The commission said these incidents “expose a grave reality: children, particularly girls, continue to be failed by the very protection systems and social structures meant to keep them safe.”
Schools, communities, and online spaces, which should foster “learning, trust, and growth,” are increasingly becoming “sites of fear, victimisation, and harm,” the commission added.
Such failures, Suhakam said, represent serious violations of children’s rights, dignity, and equality.
Malaysia’s commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution must translate into “real and effective protection on the ground,” Suhakam said.
The commission urged immediate measures, including:
The creation of coordinated national data on gender-based and child-targeted violence, including femicide, to inform policy.
Appointment of gender and child protection focal points in key ministries and the Royal Malaysia Police to ensure “timely, survivor-centred, and trauma-informed responses.”
Making schools safe and inclusive environments through stronger anti-bullying policies, confidential reporting mechanisms, and comprehensive education on gender equality, respect, and consent.
Ensuring that the media and public refrain from publishing material that could identify children involved in criminal or sensitive cases.
Highlighting Malaysia’s obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals, Suhakam said urgent action is needed to ensure that girls and all children live “free from violence, discrimination, and exploitation.”
“The world recently observed the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11. Malaysia must move beyond commemoration and take decisive action to safeguard its girls, not only from physical and sexual violence, but also from the indignity of public exposure, online shaming, and the escalating threat of femicide,” the commission said.
“Protecting children’s rights means protecting their identities, safety, and dignity, both offline and online. Every girl has the right to live free from gender-based violence, including femicide, and to grow in environments that uphold her equality, autonomy, and respect,” it added.
