‘Wrong is wrong, evil is evil’: Rape suspects will face punishment even if under 18 years of age, says Azalina

‘Wrong is wrong, evil is evil’: Rape suspects will face punishment even if under 18 years of age, says Azalina



Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said explained that rape is a criminal act, and charges against the suspect can be brought in a separate court, depending on the perpetrator’s age at the time of the incident. — Bernama pic

Monday, 13 Oct 2025 12:09 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — The government has assured that the suspects in a secondary school rape case in Alor Gajah, Melaka, will face appropriate punishment under existing provisions of the Penal Code.

According to BuletinTV3, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, said that being under 18 years old is not a reason for the suspects to avoid any legal action.

She explained that rape is a criminal act, and charges against the suspects can be brought in a separate court, depending on the perpetrator’s age at the time of the incident.

“Being under 18 does not mean one can escape punishment for committing a crime. Many people misunderstand this. Wrong is wrong, evil is evil. Punishment will still be imposed, although the court (for the charges and trial) may be different,” she said at a press conference today.


Azalina was commenting on Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s statement regarding four students suspected of involvement in the rape of a female student, who have been allowed to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination scheduled to start on November 3.

Fadhlina was quoted as saying that the decision was made to ensure the students’ education is not disrupted, even though they may still face legal action in connection with the case.

Earlier, four Form Five students were remanded for six days until Thursday to assist in the investigation of the gang rape of a Form Three female student in a class at a school in Alor Gajah last week.


The remand order was issued by Senior Assistant Registrar of the Melaka Magistrate’s Court, SR Arthana, for all male suspects, aged 17 and also SPM candidates, to assist in the investigation under Section 375B of the Penal Code for gang rape.