Reporting to Police
Understanding the reporting process and what happens next.
The Role of the Police
The police are responsible for rescuing children who are in need of protection and intervention, and for investigating and prosecuting those involved in child sexual abuse.
Under the Police Act 1967 (Section 3(3)), the police are mandated to safeguard the law, maintain peace and security, and prevent and investigate crimes, including crimes against children.
The Sexual Assault Unit (SAU)
All child sexual abuse cases in Malaysia are investigated by the Sexual Assault Unit under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The Sexual Assault Unit is responsible for:
Interviewing the child victim
Recording written statements from the child and witnesses
Conducting investigations at the crime scene and collecting evidence
Apprehending and detaining suspects
Conducting identification parades
Recording statements from suspects
Updating the victim or family on investigation outcomes
Referring investigation papers to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) for prosecution
How to Make a Police Report
A report can be made at any Police Station in Malaysia.
The child, parent, or guardian may write the report in Bahasa Malaysia or English
The incident may also be reported verbally to the Police Officer at the Enquiry Office, who will record it in writing
The report will be read back to the complainant before signing
Any changes must be made before the report is signed
Reports may also be made by telephone, or written at home and later registered officially at the Police Station
Documents to Bring (If Available)
For the child: Identity card and/or birth certificate
For the parent or guardian: Identity card and/or birth certificate
Any relevant documents related to the case (e.g. receipts, travel records)
A trusted adult such as a parent, guardian, teacher, school counsellor, or relative may accompany the child to the Police Station.
What Happens After the Report Is Made
The Enquiry Officer will refer the case to an Investigating Officer (IO)
All child sexual abuse cases are handled by the Sexual Assault Unit at the district or contingent level
The child will be sent for a medical examination
The suspect may be remanded for up to 14 days during investigations
The child will be referred to the District Welfare Office (JKM) for protection and support during this period
The Police Interview
The police aim to conduct interviews in a manner that reduces trauma and helps the child feel safe.
Female child victims are interviewed by female police officers whenever possible
If a female officer is unavailable, a male officer will be assisted by a female junior officer
Male victims may be interviewed by a male or female officer depending on age and needs
Officers usually dress in casual clothing, and toys may be used to help put the child at ease
The interview is conducted in the Investigating Officer’s room. At present, there are no dedicated child interview rooms in all police stations.
Statements are recorded in writing under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). Currently, interviews are not video-recorded under Malaysian law.
Questions May Include
How many brothers and sisters do you have?
Do you know the importance of telling the truth?
Do you know the difference between truth and a lie?
If a child has difficulty answering, they may be gently encouraged, allowed breaks, or assisted by a parent or guardian. The length of the interview depends on the child’s ability and the needs of the investigation, and follow-up interviews may be required.
Identification Procedure
If required, an identification parade will be conducted in a designated room.
The suspect will stand among others in a line
The child will be asked to identify the perpetrator
In some stations, a one-way mirror may be used
All identification procedures follow official police regulations
What Happens Next
Once investigations are complete, the case is referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP).
Based on the investigation findings and police recommendations, the DPP will decide whether to charge the suspect and proceed with prosecution.