KUALA LUMPUR — Selangor has emerged as the state with the highest number of reported rape cases between 2015 and 2025, exposing a disturbing reality about the safety of women and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
The Dewan Rakyat was told that of the state’s 1,575 reported cases, all resulted in charges—a stark reminder of the scale of the problem.
Johor followed with 2,006 cases, of which 806 led to charges, while Sabah recorded 1,817 cases and 505 charges, and Kedah 1,465 cases with 465 charges.
Perlis had the fewest incidents, with 275 cases and 116 charges.
Nationally, a total of 17,609 rape cases were reported over the ten-year period, with only 7,090 cases leading to formal charges, highlighting a significant gap between reported crimes and prosecutions.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail delivered the figures in a written parliamentary reply, responding to a question by Lim Lip Eng (PH-Kepong) regarding rape convictions since 2015.
Lim also sought clarification on whether a fresh investigation would take place in a case where the alleged assailant’s charges were reduced from Section 376 to Section 354 of the Penal Code.
Saifuddin explained that decisions on such matters are at the discretion of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution.
“Such changes are usually based on the evaluation of available evidence, to ensure a higher probability of charging such cases in the court,” he said.
He also stressed that the police had conducted a thorough investigation under Section 376 as soon as the police report was received. – February 24, 2026