Sharmila Sekaran, chair of Voice of the Children, has proposed making Malaysia’s sex offenders registry accessible to the public, particularly for employers and community leaders.
She suggested dividing the registry into sections for convicted offenders and those accused but not convicted, with public access limited to the former.
Call to Action after High-Profile Case
She proposed dividing the registry into two sections: one listing convicted child sex offenders, accessible to the public, and another for accused but not convicted individuals, restricted to enforcement agencies.
The proposal follows the sentencing of Malaysian child psychiatrist Amirul Arif in Ireland to 8.5 years in prison for sexually abusing a teenage girl.
Amirul’s exploitation of his professional role left the victim with lasting trauma, intensifying calls for stricter monitoring of professionals working with children.
Advocating Background Checks and Education
Child rights activist Hartini Zainudin supported the proposal, recommending mandatory background checks for jobs involving children, mirroring existing systems managed by JKM. She also stressed the importance of educating the public about the registry’s purpose to prevent misuse and ensure community safety.
Hartini also suggested a time limit for offenders’ inclusion on the public registry, depending on the severity of the crime and efforts toward rehabilitation. This aims to balance public safety with opportunities for reformed individuals to reintegrate into society.
Current Registry
In March of 2019, parents, schools, and daycare centers had been strongly encouraged to use a new registry for child sexual crime offenders to screen potential caregivers. The registry went live on 1 April 2019, and included the names of approximately 3,000 reported offenders from 2017 through February 18 of the year.
Those sending children to daycares or schools looking to hire teachers could simply provide an individual’s IC number to the Social Welfare Department, said former deputy minister for Women, Family and Community Development, Hannah Yeoh, said at the registry’s launch event at the ministry complex.
Applicants wishing to check if an individual has a child sexual offense record need to complete a form, stating their relationship to the person, before gaining access to the information.
A System in Need of Overhaul
Currently, Malaysia’s Sexual Crime Registry System has limited accessibility, requiring in-person applications and proof of purpose. Proposals by Sharmila and Hartini reflect an urgent need for comprehensive safeguards.
By prioritizing transparency, mandatory checks, and public education, Malaysia can better protect its vulnerable populations while promoting accountability and rehabilitation.
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