Reports of rape in Malaysia double over four years

Reports of rape in Malaysia double over four years Kuala Lumpur - The number of reported rape cases in Malaysia doubled from 2003 to 2007, a study conducted by a non-governmental organization revealed Wednesday.

Conducted by the Women's Centre for Change, based in the northern Penang state, the study showed 3,098 cases were reported in 2007 nationwide, up from 1,479 in
2003.

"What is worrying is that the figures only represent the number of cases reported. Most rapes cases went unreported," the centre's programme director D Prema was quoted as saying by the Star online news portal.

"Experience tells us that only one out of 20 victims is willing to report her case," she said.

Under Malaysian law, convicted rapists face a maximum of 20 years in jail, but the courts rarely go beyond the minimum sentence of five years. They are also liable to be fined or receive up to six strokes of the cane. (dpa)