JOHOR BARU: Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed today called for the implementation of a sexual offenders registry, which will enable Malaysians to know if such offenders are residing in their neighbourhoods.
Nur Jazlan's call was prompted by the case of convicted serial rapist Selva Kumar Subbiah, who will be deported from Canada back to Malaysia soon.
According to media reports, Selva Kumar, 56, is eligible for mandatory release on January 29 when his 24-year prison term expires.
The Toronto Star reported that Selva Kumar was sentenced to prison in 1992 after being found guilty of 19 counts of sexual assault, 28 counts of administering a drug or noxious substance, 10 counts of various kinds of assault and a dozen other charges, including extortion.
Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar had said that while Selva Kumar may be a free man in Malaysia, he will still be watched closely.
Nur Jazlan said that having such a list, which has already been implemented in other countries, would create a wider awareness among the local community of who the sexual offenders are, and give the community the opportunity to exercise caution.
He said the setting up the registry would fall under the purview of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
"Sexual crimes and rapes have become a phenomenal social ill due to urbanisation, and having such a list is timely," he said.
The registry will keep track of convicted child abusers and paedophiles.
The proposed amendments to the Child Act 2001 was brought up last year.