Latest news with #OSCC
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- Sinar Daily
Bullying or misunderstanding? Unpacking the viral school assault case in Terengganu
SHAH ALAM – A viral Instagram post by a local man identified as Amir Hafiz has reignited national debate on school safety after his 12-year-old daughter, Maya, was hospitalised following an alleged physical assault at a primary school in Terengganu. With authorities calling the incident a misunderstanding and the victim's family seeking legal counsel, the case has triggered widespread concern over how bullying is handled in Malaysian schools. Despite the incident occurring around 10am, Amir has confirmed that he only learned of it hours later, at 4.45pm, when his daughter returned home and told him herself — not the school. Photo: Instagram / @ Here's what transpired and the events that followed: April 2024: The First Warning More than a year ago, on April 22, 2024, Amir wrote that his daughter Maya, then a Year 6 student at SK Sultan Sulaiman 1 in Terengganu, had already been the target of ongoing verbal bullying. He took action by lodging a police report, but the school opted to resolve the matter internally. 'We lodged a police report. The school requested to resolve it internally. The headteacher, senior assistant for student affairs and discipline teacher were present and they promised to transfer the class as the perpetrator had a history of bullying,' Amir wrote on Instagram. Despite assurances, Amir feared the worst. He made several attempts to remind the teachers of his daughter's plight. 'Please don't wait until something worse happens…' was a message he relayed to the teachers, according to his Instagram post. However, as he later reflected, he never imagined that a year later, the situation would escalate into a physical assault that almost cost his daughter her life. May 21, 2025: Violence Erupts On May 21, things turned violent for Maya. In a series of disturbing events, another student, identified as Ozil in Amir's Instagram post, allegedly assaulted Maya at school. According to Amir Hafiz, blood was found during a urine test and Maya was subsequently warded. Photo: Instagram / @ According to Amir's account, Ozil assaulted Maya by pulling on her hijab, kicking her in the stomach twice, grabbing her head and ramming his forehead into hers forcefully. He then threatened to punch her in front of a teacher at school. Despite the incident occurring around 10am, Amir confirmed that he only learned of it hours later, at 4:45 pm, when his daughter returned home and told him herself, rather than the school. 'My daughter was traumatised. We went straight to the hospital and the case was referred to OSCC (One Stop Crisis Centre). "Blood was found in her urine. She was warded due to concerns of internal injury,' he said. In a heated exchange of words, Amir called on fellow parents to reflect on the current state of school administration in protecting children and students. 'Is school truly a safe place for our children? If the perpetrator is protected and the victim sacrificed, what does this education system really stand for?' 'We are not asking for sympathy. We are asking for justice,' he wrote. The School's and JPNT's Response Outraged by the events that befell his daughter, Amir criticised the school's lack of prior action. He claimed that the bully had never faced real consequences, despite being known for previous incidents. 'My daughter is the one forced to consider transferring schools just to protect her mental health. "How long will the school keep washing its hands of responsibility? How long will the State Education Department (JPN) continue to dismiss our complaints as baseless?' he said. In the same initial Instagram post, he stated that he had contacted Terengganu State Education Department (JPNT) via a written letter regarding the bullying case but ultimately received a response informing him that they found his complaint to be baseless. Following the viral Instagram post, the JPNT released a statement, denying that the case involved bullying. Amir has further stated that he had contacted via a written letter to JPNT in regards to the bullying case but ultimately received a response informing him that they found his complaint to be baseless. Photo: Instagram / @ JPNT affirmed that the case was instead a misunderstanding between two pupils, as confirmed by the School Liaison Officer of the police. JPNT's statement also outlined the next steps for Maya's case. 'The investigation was carried out according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Bullying and Misconduct. The school has also visited the student involved while she was receiving treatment at the hospital, and a reconciliation session between the parents of both students is being arranged and will be implemented in the near future,' they said. JPNT further stated that the state harbours a no-tolerance policy for any form of bullying and misconduct. 'We will not compromise on any form of bullying or misconduct and will take firm action to ensure a safe school environment," it said. Education Minister Responds to Political Allegations The incident gained further traction online amid allegations that the bully's mother is a politician with links to the Education Minister - claims that led some to speculate about undue influence over the outcome. In response, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek recently issued a firm denial of these allegations. 'I have never known this individual. As a follow-up step, I have also instructed the MOE Integrity Unit to conduct further investigations. "I am closely following the development of this issue and want it to be resolved immediately,' she said, while condemning attempts to politicise the case and inadvertently take the conversation away from Maya's well-being. Current Circumstances for Maya On June 17, Amir updated followers on Instagram after a reconciliation session was held between the two families. While he expressed his appreciation for the efforts made regarding Maya's case, he confirmed that legal steps were being taken for his daughter's rights and welfare. 'We appreciate the efforts of JPNT in proposing a harmonious resolution. However, in order to ensure that Maya's rights and well-being remain protected, we have appointed a lawyer and entrusted them to review the decision and determine the appropriate next steps,' the post read. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to those who have supported his cause and his daughter's rights, as matters are currently being resolved for Maya's current circumstances. 'Thank you for your prayers and support. We kindly ask that you respect our journey in seeking a calm and dignified resolution,' he said.
Hans India
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
OSCC aims to enhance joint response mechanisms
Visakhapatnam: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) chaired the 137th meeting of the Offshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) in New Delhi. The meeting aimed to review the preparedness and effectiveness of the security of India's offshore installations and enhance joint response mechanisms. The committee further underscored the imperative of enhancing joint responses to safeguard vital energy infrastructure. A special emphasis was placed on strengthening coordination among agencies to address emerging challenges and ensure the security of offshore assets. Addressing the committee, Director General ICG Paramesh Sivamani underlined the importance of energy security and insisted on taking all possible measures to ensure the security of offshore assets for their contribution to the nation's growth and independence in the field. The meeting was attended by representatives from various organisations including Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Intelligence Bureau, Directorate General of Shipping, ONGC and State Police forces from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh among other stakeholders. The OSCC was constituted in 1978 to ensure effective functioning of offshore security arrangements. Since then, the committee has contributed effectively in framing policies and providing guidance and resolution to Offshore Defence Area related issues.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Burning Rock Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
GUANGZHOU, China, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Burning Rock Biotech Limited (NASDAQ: BNR, the 'Company' or 'Burning Rock'), a company focused on the application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology in the field of precision oncology, today reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Recent Business Updates Therapy Selection and MRD Personalized Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) product, CanCatch® Custom supports advancement in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma（OSCC）treatment, with results published in the Molecular Cancer in May 2025. The study is a two-arm, multicenter, randomized, double-blind phase 2 study, comparing the efficacy of systemic treatment combining nCT with immunotherapy against nCT alone for OSCC patients. The study demonstrates that Perioperative Nivolumab plus chemotherapy is a viable and safe option for systemically treating locally advanced resectable OSCC, and monitoring minimal residual disease through ctDNA could be potentially valuable for assessing the effectiveness of adjuvant therapy and for prognostic evaluation in a systemic manner. Presented study results on non-small cell lung cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) at the ASCO in June 2025. 'Personalized tumor-informed ctDNA has the potential to inform recurrence in high-risk locally advanced stage GIST patients, especially for patients with irregular adjuvant therapy' and 'MUSETALK-Lung01 (MUltiomics SEquencing Technique AppLication Kick-start) is a prospective, longitudinal, observational study designed to evaluate the clinical utility of a tumor-naïve ctDNA assay in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).' Presented multiple study results at the 2025 AACR in April, showcasing the clinical utility of the tumor-informed personalized MRD assay (CanCatch® Custom) and the tumor-naïve methylation-based MRD assay. First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Revenues were RMB133.1 million (US$18.3 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing a 5.9% increase from RMB125.6 million for the same period in 2024. Revenue generated from central laboratory business was RMB38.3 million (US$5.3 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing a 19.6% decrease from RMB47.6 million for the same period in 2024, primarily attributable to a decrease in the number of tests, as we continued to focus on our in-hospital business. Revenue generated from in-hospital business was RMB57.7 million (US$7.9 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing a 0.5% increase from RMB57.4 million for the same period in 2024, driven by a continuous growth in sales volume. Revenue generated from pharma research and development services was RMB37.1 million (US$5.1 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing a 79.9% increase from RMB20.6 million for the same period in 2024, primarily attributable to increased development and testing services performed for our pharma customers, and several milestones of our pharma programs were achieved. Cost of revenues was RMB35.7 million (US$4.9 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing a 10.6% decrease from RMB39.9 million for the same period in 2024, primarily due to a decrease in cost of central laboratory business, which was in line with the decrease in revenue generated from this business. Gross profit was RMB97.4 million (US$13.4 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing a 13.7% increase from RMB85.7 million for the same period in 2024. Gross margin was 73.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 68.2% for the same period in 2024. By channel, gross margin of central laboratory business was 84.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 77.7% during the same period in 2024, primarily due to a reduction in material and labor costs resulted from cost optimization and control measures and a decreased depreciation and rental cost in relation to our laboratory of Guangzhou headquarter; gross margin of in-hospital business was 76.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 68.3% during the same period in 2024, primarily due to the same reason; gross margin of pharma research and development services was 57.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 46.1% during the same period of 2024, primarily due to the cost optimization measures and an increase in test volume of higher margin projects. Non-GAAP gross profit, which excludes depreciation and amortization expenses, RMB100.7 million (US$13.9 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing an 8.3% increase from RMB93.0 million for the same period in 2024. Non-GAAP gross margin was 75.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 74.0% for the same period in 2024. Operating expenses were RMB112.6 million (US$15.5 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing a 46.8% decrease from RMB211.5 million for the same period in 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by budget control measures and headcount reduction to improve the Company's operating efficiency. Research and development expenses were RMB40.4 million (US$5.6 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing a 38.8% decrease from RMB66.0 million for the same period in 2024, primarily due to (i) a decrease in amortized expense on share-based compensation; (ii) a decrease in the expenditure for detection research and (iii) a decrease in depreciation and amortization. Selling and marketing expenses were RMB40.9 million (US$5.6 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing a 12.7% decrease from RMB46.9 million for the same period in 2024, primarily due to (i) a decrease in staff cost resulted from the reorganization of our sales department to improve operating efficiency and (ii) a decrease in depreciation and amortization. General and administrative expenses were RMB31.3 million (US$4.3 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing a 68.3% decrease from RMB98.7 million for the same period in 2024, primarily due to (i) a decrease in amortized expense on share-based compensation; (ii) a decrease in depreciation and amortization; (iii) a decrease in staff cost resulted from the reorganization; and (iv) a decrease in operating lease expense for office building. Net loss was RMB13.5 million (US$1.9 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to RMB121.5 million for the same period in 2024. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were RMB497.4 million (US$68.5 million) as of March 31, 2025. Exchange Rate Information This press release contains translations of certain Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi are made at a rate of RMB7.2567 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on March 31, 2025, set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the Renminbi or U.S. dollars amounts referred could be converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. About Burning Rock Burning Rock Biotech Limited (NASDAQ: BNR), whose mission is to guard life via science, focuses on the application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology in the field of precision oncology. Its business consists of i) NGS-based therapy selection testing for late-stage cancer patients, and ii) cancer early detection, which has moved beyond proof-of-concept R&D into the clinical validation stage. For more information about Burning Rock, please visit: Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute 'forward-looking' statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as 'will,' 'expects,' 'anticipates,' 'future,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'target,' 'confident' and similar statements. Burning Rock may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Burning Rock's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Burning Rock's control. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Burning Rock does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. Non-GAAP Measures In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses non-GAAP measures, such as non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross margin, as supplemental measures to review and assess operating performance. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ('U.S. GAAP'). The company defines non-GAAP gross profit as gross profit excluding depreciation and amortization. The company defines non-GAAP gross margin as gross margin excluding depreciation and amortization. The company presents these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by management to evaluate operating performance and formulate business plans. The company believe non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross margin excluding non-cash impact of depreciation and amortization reflect the company's ongoing business operations in a manner that allows more meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Contact: IR@ Selected Operating Data As of March 31, 2024 June 30, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2024 March 31, 2025 In-hospital Channel: Pipeline partner hospitals(1) 28 29 30 29 30 Contracted partner hospitals(2) 59 59 61 63 63 Total number of partner hospitals 87 88 91 92 93(1) Refers to hospitals that are in the process of establishing in-hospital laboratories, laboratory equipment procurement or installation, staff training or pilot testing using the Company's products. (2) Refers to hospitals that have entered into contracts to purchase the Company's products for use on a recurring basis in their respective in-hospital laboratories the Company helped them establish. Kit revenue is generated from contracted hospitals. Selected Financial Data For the three months ended Revenues March 31, 2024 June 30, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2024 March 31, 2025 (RMB in thousands) Central laboratory channel 47,614 48,773 39,984 39,278 38,296 In-hospital channel 57,387 59,872 63,769 43,464 57,687 Pharma research and development channel 20,622 26,888 24,891 43,280 37,099 Total revenues 125,623 135,533 128,644 126,022 133,082 For the three months ended Gross profit March 31,2024 June 30,2024 September 30,2024 December 31,2024 March 31,2025 (RMB in thousands) Central laboratory channel 37,002 38,424 33,262 33,153 32,191 In-hospital channel 39,192 44,058 46,580 29,563 43,895 Pharma research and development channel 9,500 12,956 12,004 26,706 21,315 Total gross profit 85,694 95,438 91,846 89,422 97,401 For the three months ended Share-based compensation expenses March 31,2024 June 30,2024 September 30,2024 December 31,2024 March 31,2025 (RMB in thousands) Cost of revenues 596 464 289 520 308 Research and development expenses 12,287 12,008 3,180 3,202 1,800 Selling and marketing expenses 508 1,232 1,917 1,353 1,025 General and administrative expenses 55,990 54,407 4,732 2,937 1,413 Total share-based compensation expenses 69,381 68,111 10,118 8,012 4,546 Burning Rock Biotech Limited Unaudited Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Loss (in thousands, except for number of shares and per share data) For the three months ended March 31,2024 June 30,2024 September 30, 2024 December 31,2024 March 31, 2025 March 31, 2025 RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB US$ Revenues 125,623 135,533 128,644 126,022 133,082 18,340 Cost of revenues (39,929 ) (40,095 ) (36,798 ) (36,600 ) (35,681 ) (4,918 ) Gross profit 85,694 95,438 91,846 89,422 97,401 13,422 Operating expenses: Research and development expenses (65,985 ) (64,952 ) (49,150 ) (52,203 ) (40,389 ) (5,566 ) Selling and marketing expenses (46,856 ) (48,907 ) (48,411 ) (46,730 ) (40,888 ) (5,635 ) General and administrative expenses (98,681 ) (92,794 ) (32,874 ) (37,289 ) (31,303 ) (4,314 ) Impairment loss on long-lived assets (35,127 ) Total operating expenses (211,522 ) (206,653 ) (130,435 ) (171,349 ) (112,580 ) (15,515 ) Loss from operations (125,828 ) (111,215 ) (38,589 ) (81,927 ) (15,179 ) (2,093 ) Interest income 4,038 3,187 3,173 1,814 2,581 356 Other income (expense), net 434 (82 ) 1 4,353 (652 ) (90 ) Foreign exchange (loss) gain, net (13 ) 262 (129 ) (220 ) (26 ) (4 ) Loss before income tax (121,369 ) (107,848 ) (35,544 ) (75,980 ) (13,276 ) (1,831 ) Income tax expenses (180 ) (190 ) (201 ) (5,314 ) (224 ) (31 ) Net loss (121,549 ) (108,038 ) (35,745 ) (81,294 ) (13,500 ) (1,862 ) Net loss attributable to Burning Rock Biotech Limited's shareholders (121,549 ) (108,038 ) (35,745 ) (81,294 ) (13,500 ) (1,862 ) Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (121,549 ) (108,038 ) (35,745 ) (81,294 ) (13,500 ) (1,862 ) Loss per share for class A and class B ordinary shares: Class A ordinary shares - basic and diluted (1.19 ) (1.05 ) (0.35 ) (0.79 ) (0.13 ) (0.02 ) Class B ordinary shares - basic and diluted (1.19 ) (1.05 ) (0.35 ) (0.79 ) (0.13 ) (0.02 ) Weighted average shares outstanding used in loss per share computation: Class A ordinary shares - basic and diluted 85,219,188 85,271,858 85,902,670 86,036,286 90,291,658 90,291,658 Class B ordinary shares - basic and diluted 17,324,848 17,324,848 17,324,848 17,324,848 17,324,848 17,324,848 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of nil: Foreign currency translation adjustments 590 940 (4,054 ) 6,009 (72 ) (10 ) Total comprehensive loss (120,959 ) (107,098 ) (39,799 ) (75,285 ) (13,572 ) (1,872 ) Total comprehensive loss attributable to Burning Rock Biotech Limited's shareholders (120,959 ) (107,098 ) (39,799 ) (75,285 ) (13,572 ) (1,872 ) Burning Rock Biotech LimitedUnaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets(In thousands) As of December 31, 2024 March 31,2025 March 31,2025 RMB RMB US$ ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 519,849 495,145 68,233 Restricted cash 2,313 2,261 312 Accounts receivable, net 152,013 159,463 21,974 Contract assets, net 13,855 17,178 2,367 Inventories, net 62,625 65,424 9,016 Prepayments and other current assets, net 25,963 22,072 3,042 Total current assets 776,618 761,543 104,944 Non-current assets: Property and equipment, net 47,152 41,162 5,672 Operating right-of-use assets 53,188 43,804 6,036 Intangible assets, net 421 386 53 Other non-current assets 7,926 7,822 1,078 Total non-current assets 108,687 93,174 12,839 TOTAL ASSETS 885,305 854,717 117,783 Burning Rock Biotech LimitedUnaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)(in thousands) As of December 31,2024 March 31,2025 March 31,2025 RMB RMB US$ LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable 33,747 35,938 4,952 Deferred revenue 117,895 117,200 16,151 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 89,498 76,198 10,501 Customer deposits 592 592 82 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 24,567 22,524 3,104 Total current liabilities 266,299 252,452 34,790 Non-current liabilities: Non-current portion of operating lease liabilities 27,754 19,814 2,730 Other non-current liabilities 10,425 10,649 1,467 Total non-current liabilities 38,179 30,463 4,197 TOTAL LIABILITIES 304,478 282,915 38,987 Shareholders' equity: Class A ordinary shares 124 124 17 Class B ordinary shares 21 21 3 Additional paid-in capital 5,002,255 5,005,991 689,844 Treasury stock (63,264 ) (62,453 ) (8,606 ) Accumulated deficits (4,200,261 ) (4,213,761 ) (580,672 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (158,048 ) (158,120 ) (21,790 ) Total shareholders' equity 580,827 571,802 78,796 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 885,305 854,717 117,783 Burning Rock Biotech LimitedUnaudited Condensed Statements of Cash Flows(in thousands) For the three months ended March 31,2024 March 31,2025 March 31,2025 RMB RMB US$ Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities 19,062 (23,527 ) (3,242 ) Net cash used in investing activities (812 ) (1,531 ) (211 ) Net cash used in financing activities (74 ) - - Effect of exchange rate on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 5,739 302 43 Net increase in (decrease) cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 23,915 (24,756 ) (3,410 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of period 498,247 522,162 71,955 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of period 522,162 497,406 68,545 Burning Rock Biotech LimitedReconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results For the three months ended March 31,2024 June 30,2024 September 30,2024 December 31,2024 March 31,2025 (RMB in thousands) Gross profit: Central laboratory channel 37,002 38,424 33,262 33,153 32,191 In-hospital channel 39,192 44,058 46,580 29,563 43,895 Pharma research and development channel 9,500 12,956 12,004 26,706 21,315 Total gross profit 85,694 95,438 91,846 89,422 97,401 Add: depreciation and amortization: Central laboratory channel 1,919 1,226 1,277 1,010 562 In-hospital channel 1,524 824 798 623 290 Pharma research and development channel 3,856 4,417 3,846 2,534 2,412 Total depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenues 7,299 6,467 5,921 4,167 3,264 Non-GAAP gross profit： Central laboratory channel 38,921 39,650 34,539 34,163 32,753 In-hospital channel 40,716 44,882 47,378 30,186 44,185 Pharma research and development channel 13,356 17,373 15,850 29,240 23,727 Total non-GAAP gross profit 92,993 101,905 97,767 93,589 100,665 Non-GAAP gross margin： Central laboratory channel 81.7% 81.3% 86.4% 87.0% 85.5% In-hospital channel 70.9% 75.0% 74.3% 69.5% 76.6% Pharma research and development channel 64.8% 64.6% 63.7% 67.6% 64.0% Total non-GAAP gross margin 74.0% 75.2% 76.0% 74.3% 75.6%Sign in to access your portfolio
Malay Mail
26-04-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Sex education needs whole-of-government push, not just Health Ministry's duty, says minister
KOTA BARU, April 26 — Addressing issues related to reproductive health education and sexual literacy, particularly among the youth, requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple ministries and agencies, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He stressed that the effort was not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MoH) but required the mobilisation of the entire government through a whole-of-government approach. 'This is not just the MoH's responsibility, but also that of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. 'MoH will adopt a whole-of-government approach to ensure that education on reproductive health and comprehensive awareness is implemented in an integrated manner,' he told reporters after attending the Jom Sihat @ Kota Lama Mini Carnival here yesterday. Dzulkefly also stressed that strong support from various parties was crucial to ensure that the implementation of this agenda was not limited to Kelantan but extended nationwide. 'I am not saying that the MoH will be the only agency in charge. Instead, we want this issue to be addressed collectively. 'The MoH is ready to mobilise its resources and experts in the field of reproductive health education,' he said. He said this when asked to comment on a media report on April 9, in which Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat stated that the number of rape and incest cases in Kelantan had increased, but investigations showed that many were cases of consensual sex. Mohd Yusoff revealed that 252 cases were reported in 2024, compared to 206 cases in 2023, reflecting an increase of 22.3 per cent. He added that what was more worrying was that some of those involved were as young as 10 years old. Dzulkefly said that the key to the successful implementation of this initiative was equipping the community with knowledge and awareness so they could enhance their self-control and strengthen their moral values. Meanwhile, he said that the MoH provided assistance to victims of sexual crimes under 18 through the One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC), which was available at every hospital nationwide. He said that the OSCC was established to provide comprehensive services to victims of abuse and rape. — Bernama
New Straits Times
25-04-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Whole-of-govt approach needed to tackle sexual literacy issues
KOTA BARU: Addressing issues related to reproductive health education and sexual literacy, particularly among the youth, requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple ministries and agencies, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He stressed that the effort was not solely the responsibility of the Health Ministry, but required the mobilisation of the entire government through a whole-of-government approach. "This is not just the ministry's responsibility, but also that of the Education, Women, Family and Community Development and Youth and Sports ministries. "The Health Ministry will adopt a whole-of-government approach to ensure that education on reproductive health and comprehensive awareness is implemented in an integrated manner," he told reporters after attending the Jom Sihat @ Kota Lama Mini Carnival here today. Dzulkefly also stressed that strong support from various parties was crucial to ensure that the implementation of this agenda was not limited to Kelantan but extended nationwide. "I am not saying that the ministry will be the only agency in charge. Instead, we want this issue to be addressed collectively. The ministry is ready to mobilise its resources and experts in the field of reproductive health education," he said. He said this when asked to comment on a media report on April 9, in which Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the number of rape and incest cases in Kelantan had increased, but investigations showed that many were cases of consensual sex. Mohd Yusoff revealed that 252 cases were reported in 2024, compared to 206 cases in 2023, reflecting an increase of 22.3 per cent. He added that what was more worrying was that some of those involved were as young as 10 years old. Dzulkefly said that the key to the successful implementation of this initiative was equipping the community with knowledge and awareness so they could enhance their self-control and strengthen their moral values. Meanwhile, he said the ministry assisted victims of sexual crimes under 18 through the One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC), which was available at every hospital nationwide. He said that the OSCC was established to provide comprehensive services to victims of abuse and rape.
