World · Malaysia Bureau
Indonesian man's rape sentence increased to 15 years
An Indonesian national has had his prison sentence increased from 10 to 15 years after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in a Gombak hotel room in 2022.
LSN Malaysia ·
Zulpandy Rispen Effendi, an Indonesian citizen, was convicted of raping the minor at a hotel in Gombak, Selangor, during an incident that occurred in 2022. The sentence enhancement reflects the severity of the offence and the victim's age at the time of the assault.
The case was heard in Malaysian courts, where Effendi was initially sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Following a review of the case, the court determined that a lengthier sentence was warranted given the circumstances of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding child safety in Malaysia and jurisdictional matters involving foreign nationals accused of crimes within the country. Authorities have emphasised their commitment to prosecuting offenders who target minors, regardless of their nationality.
The decision to increase Effendi's sentence underscores the judiciary's firm stance against sexual crimes against children in Malaysia.