Alor setar: Crimes involving women and children in Kedah have surged, averaging 42 cases a month in the first half of 2025 compared with an average of 16 cases monthly last year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, sexual crimes were particularly alarming, with children under 18 making up 75 percent of reported victims. Saifuddin highlighted that these figures only reflect reported cases and noted that, in many incidents, the perpetrators are people known to the victims. He shared these insights with reporters after launching the Kedah Contingent Children Interview Centre (CIC).

Saifuddin emphasized the critical role of the CIC in building corroborative evidence when children are victims or witnesses. He noted that the centre's work requires officers with psychological and counselling expertise. The CIC's expertise comes from police officers with psychological backgrounds and professional qualifications in related fields. This group must possess counselling, psychological, and trauma management skills.

Currently, there are 31 CICs nationwide, including two in Kedah. Saifuddin added that the Home Ministry will continue to support these centres as they strengthen their competencies.