Criminal cases involving rape, incest, and molestation against teenagers or minors are typically reported in the newspapers.
Sexual crimes can leave victims traumatised and suffering for the rest of their lives, a concern that the community is growingly concerned about.
Considering the circumstances, several parties suggest that in order to serve as a deterrent to the community, those who commit sexual offenses should face harsher punishments.
It is believed that the maximum 20 years in prison and whipping penalty for rape under the Penal Code is insufficient to deter persons from committing the crime.
There once was a plan to execute rapists, however, it was met with objection from many parties.
This is because the punishment is considered to be too harsh and creates problems for obtaining cooperation from witnesses if enforced, especially if the offender is a family member or involves a source of sustenance.
As an alternative to the death penalty, perhaps Malaysia should consider the proposed chemical punishment of rapists.
Chemical castration is a procedure of injecting antiandrogen drugs to inhibit the function of testosterone, thereby reducing libido.
As a result, there will be a decrease in sexual arousal, reducing the ability of sexual stimulation and directly resulting in the loss of sexual desire.
Sterilant injections using chemicals on child rapists have historically been viewed as being against international law and violative of their claim to human rights and freedoms.
Nonetheless, several nations have already legalised chemical castration as a form of punishment, Denmark was the first to do so in 1929.
There are no fewer than eight states in the United States (US) that have adopted chemical castration.
Therefore, given the yearly rise in incest and juvenile rape cases in this nation, it could be time to implement this penalty.
To prevent disagreements, a thorough analysis and expert opinion must be completed prior to Malaysia implementing the sentence.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of Sinar Daily.