Its minister Nancy Shukri said that children in such cases must be protected, guided, and rehabilitated, not merely subjected to punitive measures.

“Unfounded statements and views that disregard the fundamental reality that children need guidance and protection risk being misunderstood or causing public confusion,” she said in a statement.

Nancy also said that every child deserved a second chance and that the way forward was not punishment but care, guidance, and protection.

“As children, they should be given the opportunity and space to learn from mistakes, recover, and rebuild their lives without being burdened by stigma or long-term trauma.

“This must be viewed through the lens of a child’s overall development – emotional, cognitive, social, and beyond – so that they can better understand the consequences of their actions,” she added.

Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat recently suggested that underage girls who have consensual sex should also face legal action when their partners are charged with statutory rape.

He said nearly 90% of statutory rape cases reported in the state involved consent by both parties, though the existing laws lean more towards prosecuting only the men.

The Penal Code provision on rape makes it an offence to have sex with a girl under the age of 16, an act commonly known as statutory rape.

Kelantan mufti Shukri Mohamed said yesterday that Yusoff’s proposal warranted careful study, and that it raised important questions of justice as well as the application of civil and shariah law.

Nancy said the ministry’s primary focus in such cases was to prioritise structured counselling, education, and support to safeguard the growth and future well-being of the children involved.

She added that current laws and programmes supported this stance, with community and institutional rehabilitation ensuring that children receive proper guidance at every stage.