Suhakam urges action to protect girls from violence

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has urged immediate and coordinated action to protect girls from gender-based violence, following reports of sexual assaults, bullying, and killings across the country. Suhakam condemned recent cases in Sabah, Melaka, Selangor, and Kedah, including gang rapes and violent deaths that may amount to femicide.

The commission emphasized that these incidents highlight a failure in the protection systems meant to safeguard children, especially girls. Suhakam warned that schools, communities, and online spaces, which should be safe and supportive, are increasingly becoming places of fear and harm.

Suhakam called for urgent measures, including the creation of national data on gender-based violence, the appointment of child protection focal points, and the implementation of stronger anti-bullying policies in schools. The commission stressed that Malaysia must uphold its commitments under international conventions to ensure the safety, dignity, and equality of girls.