Speaking to reporters after an event on building girls’ self-esteem through reading, jointly organised by the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) and Scholastic, she said this was to address the high rate of sexual crimes involving minors.

Malaysia’s Penal Code defines statutory rape as sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16. The age of consent in Malaysia is 16.

Teo said students needed to be taught that sexual activity involving girls below the age of 16 is a crime, even if consensual.

“The law is there, but if not taught to kids, then how would they know?

“We have to highlight certain laws to the kids. We cannot just presume that they know.”

Teo said the topic will be included in the Pendidikan Jasmani dan Kesihatan (PJK) or Physical and Health Education (PE) textbook syllabus for Form 5 and Year 6 students.

Recently, seven SPM candidates were questioned over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl at a school in Tawau.

Police had also warned the public to stop distributing a video of the alleged incident.

The seven suspects are currently out on bail as they are sitting for their SPM examination. The alleged victim is undergoing counselling.