SPECIAL REPORT | Charles, 12, and Mary, 11, were more than friends. One day, the puppy love between the primary school students turned sexual. It was a moment that forever changed their lives.

When Mary’s parents found out, Charles was arrested. He served 15 years in prison for statutory rape despite being a minor himself. He was released after receiving a royal pardon.

Under the Penal Code, a male above the age of 10 can be convicted of statutory rape if he had sexual intercourse with a female under the age of 16 regardless of consent.

Now 27, the label ‘child sex offender’ still haunts him.

Charles was among those counselled by children rights NGO Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia through its Children at Risk Diversion Programme.

The programme focuses on preventing young offenders from potentially descending into a life of crime.

“He (Charles) insists that they were in love,” said James Nayagam, chairperson of Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia.

Charles' story is not that uncommon.

Data from Malaysia is scarce but research by the United States Department of Justice found that almost a quarter of reported cases of child sexual abuse are perpetrated by individuals under the age of 18.

The high rate of young offenders underscores the need for rehabilitation, but the rehabilitation of those who sexually abused children remains a thorny topic...