Basic things to know about statutory rape law in Malaysia
- Malaysians are only considered an adult by law when they turn 18, but the legal age applicable on matters such as when they can engage themselves in sexual activities is a separate issue altogether.
- Individuals aged 16 or younger in Malaysia are not legally able to consent to sexual activity, and such activity may result in prosecution for statutory rape.
- Under Section 375 of the Penal Code, statutory rape is defined as when a man has a sexual intercourse with a woman who is under the age of 16, with or without her consent.
- The punishment for the offender is imprisonment for not less than five years and not more than 30 years as stipulated under Section 376 of the same act.
