Kelantan’s Dept MB Blames Netizens & Media For Sensationalising Rape & Incest Cases

By Quinny Tan  •  07 Jun 2022 in News

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Over the past few months, there appears to be a rise in rape and sexual abuse cases throughout the country. Although the exact reason behind the rise is unknown, several parties have been blamed for not taking any action.

This year alone, there are 76 reported rape cases in the state of Kelantan. In light of this, Kelantan’s Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said that incest and rape reported by the media have been sensationalised by netizens.

He explained that due to this, it is not appropriate for the state government to be held responsible for the rising rape cases in Kelantan.

Although he acknowledged that many rape cases have been reported in Kelantan recently, Amar pointed out that it also happens in other states.

“If the media does not report it, the issue will not exist. Perhaps the cases in other states had not been reported, making it look like a big issue in Kelantan.”

“I notice that whenever it comes to an issue in Kelantan, netizens will sensationalise it despite other states also facing the same issue. They make it seem as if Kelantan must be perfect and without any issue,” he added.

Amar stated that, “Although we do not deny that this problem exists, we are not running away from it as we know about it and try to deal with it.”

In an effort to curb the issue, Amar said that the state government has always prioritised the policy of Developing with Islam by increasing religious education and providing adequate knowledge to the people of the state.

However, he said that the increasingly sophisticated technology such as social media as well as the borderless world of today poses a big challenge to tackle the problem.

He believes that everyone plays a role and urges people not to just place the responsibility on the government and the authorities alone.

“We can’t place the blame on the government alone. It’s like when there is an offense of stealing, we can’t say that it’s the fault of the police. Each of us has a responsibility, as Muslims, we have to live in the teachings of Islam and it’s unfair to blame others for one’s own faults.”