MELAKA, October 14 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has affirmed that suspects involved in the recent secondary school gang-rape case in Alor Gajah, Melaka, will face appropriate punishment under the Penal Code, regardless of their age.
She stressed that being under 18 does not exempt anyone from accountability, stating, “Wrong is wrong, evil is evil. Punishment will still be imposed, although the court may differ depending on the suspect’s age.”
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek meanwhile confirmed that the four 17-year-old suspects, all SPM candidates, will be allowed to sit for their exams beginning November 3, in line with the ministry’s commitment to uphold every student’s right to education.
She added that the Ministry of Education is prioritising emotional and psychosocial support for the victim, school staff, and students, with counsellors deployed on-site. The case, currently under investigation for gang rape under Section 375B of the Penal Code, has drawn nationwide attention, highlighting urgent calls for stronger moral education and parental awareness.
