KUALA LUMPUR, 17 AUGUST 2025 – The Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) Criminal Investigation Department has recently opened investigations into the tragic case of the late Zara and the shocking assault on the child of YB Rafizi Ramli, signalling a pressing need to prioritise child protection and safety in Malaysia.
These back-to-back cases have sparked nationwide concern, underscoring the urgency to reinforce mechanisms safeguarding vulnerable groups, especially women and children, said PKR Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar in a Facebook posting.
At the heart of these efforts is Unit D11, a lesser-known but critical division under PDRM’s Criminal Investigation Department.
This specialised unit is responsible for handling sexual crimes involving women and children, often dealing with some of the most distressing and traumatising cases imaginable. Despite its heavy responsibilities, the unit operates under extremely limited resources.
During a recent visit, it was revealed that the entire unit had been relying on only four outdated computers to manage a growing caseload.
Most of the officers and support staff in D11 are women, many of them mothers and even grandmothers, yet they endure harrowing tasks to bring perpetrators to justice.
One officer recounted dealing with crimes involving infants as young as six months old, including reviewing graphic recordings of violent acts, some of which are sold on the dark web.
Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) Siti Kamsiah poignantly shared, “Most of the officers here are mothers. They do whatever it takes to protect Malaysia’s children, just as they would their own.”
In response to the dire situation, a group of concerned individuals stepped in to support the unit’s mission. Through private donations, 10 new computers were delivered, and a child-friendly interview room was established to create a safer and more comfortable environment for young victims.
However, these improvements are just a small step forward.
There is now a strong public call for the government to allocate dedicated funding for Unit D11 in the upcoming October budget. Advocates are urging for more personnel, modern equipment, and infrastructural upgrades to ensure the unit can function effectively.
“The safety of our children must not be a peripheral issue,” said one concerned citizen. “If we do not act now, more children will fall victim in the future.” Nurul Izzah said.
The cases of Zara and YB Rafizi’s child serve as stark reminders that Malaysia must prioritise the safety and dignity of its most vulnerable.
Every child deserves to grow up free from fear, and the responsibility lies with all of us – the government, civil society, and the public – to ensure that the protectors of our children, like those in Unit D11, are never left to fight alone.