SEREMBAN: There is an even greater need for parents to closely monitor their children's behaviour following the disclosure that 61% of the 12,926 cases of sexual crimes reported in the past three years involved the young.

Deputy Education Minister Datuk Chong Sin Woon (pic) said although the figures were alarming, he believed it was just the tip of the iceberg.

"I believe the number of cases is even higher.

"So my appeal to parents is to keep a closer watch on their children," he told reporters after opening a library at SJKC Chi Hwa here on Friday.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, in releasing the statistics on Thursday, described the situation as serious as these children would grow up with negative psychological effects.
Chong said parents and teachers should take the trouble to explain to their children what constitutes sexual crimes.
"Some people take advantage of a child when they carry or hug a child.
"And the child may be totally oblivious to such behaviour," he said, adding that discussing the topic should no longer be considered taboo.
He said some victims would continue to remain quiet and suffer in silence.
"Some victims are just too embarrassed to report it or are afraid after being threatened by their attackers," he said.
Chong said his ministry has also taken measures to tackle the problem, such as training students to look out for their peers who may have been victimised.
"Apart from teachers, we have also trained students to be our eyes and ears.
"This is necessary because victims are usually more comfortable with their peers rather than reporting such matters to their teachers," he said.
Chong said it was also easier for parents to discuss such matters with their children who now had a lot more exposure to worldly matters than before.
"During my time, I remember my teacher telling us to study the chapter on sexual reproduction on our own.
"But today's children know a lot more and it is easier for parents to educate them on sexual matters," he added.