Last week, Borneo Post reported that the 16-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl were charged under various sections of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (SOAC).

The boy was accused of improperly touching the girl’s body, while she was accused of producing child pornography of herself committing indecent acts which she then sent to the boy.

Both pleaded guilty to the charges.

In a statement, Child Rights Innovation and Betterment Foundation (CRIB) called on the government to be mindful of its obligations to protect children.

This includes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which was ratified in 1995, and the Child Act 2001.

CRIB also said that in 2019, Putrajaya launched a pilot project known as “Diversion” that aims to rehabilitate children charged with minor crimes in line with the UNCRC’s aim to keep children out of the criminal justice system.

It said the prosecution of the two teenagers for engaging in sexual activity not amounting to statutory rape was contrary to the spirit of the SOAC and the best interests of the children.

“CRIB urges the government to implement and enforce the SOAC Act with the view of protecting children from sexual predators.

“(It should also) take steps to ensure that all children brought before the courts are given access to free legal representation and that all stakeholders are continuously and properly trained in the implementation and enforcement of the SOAC.”