SEREMBAN, MALAYSIA: The state capital recorded the highest number of teenage rape cases in the state last year with a total of 58 cases.

The state assembly was told yesterday that the town recorded 36 cases where girls aged below 16 were raped. Nine of the suspects were aged below 18.

State Human Capital Development, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Abdul Samad Ibrahim said the statistics were alarming and the state government was looking at ways to reduce the number of such cases.

This included organising more programmes to increase awareness among women.

"Of the total of 149 cases reported in the state last year, 93 involved victims aged below 16.

"Police also arrested 27 suspects below 18," he said in reply to Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad (BN-Sungai Lui).

Samad said Port Dickson came in second with 24 cases followed by Jempol (23), Kuala Pilah (18), Tampin (13), Rembau (eight) and Jelebu (five).

He said the state government had also taken measures to enhance moral values among teenagers by using the Islamic approach as it was considered an effective method, if implemented effectively.

"Besides that, it is important to teach teenagers to be responsible individuals. Teachers play an important role, after parents, in raising awareness on this issue.

"Non-governmental organisations, the public sector and religious groups should organise more counselling sessions, motivational courses, training centres for school-leavers, workshops and seminars to help create a healthy environment for teenagers.

"Programmes such as Rakan Muda and Rakan Waja Diri should be looked at and improved from time to time."