Focusing on evidence-based research while balancing conflicting cultural and religious ideals on ‘female genital mutilation or cutting’ (FGM/C) has been identified as a way forward toward ending the practice in the country.

A 2019 study published by Penang-based Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD) campus described the practice known as sunat perempuan (female circumcision) or khitan in Malaysia as nicking the tip of the clitoris and teasing out a piece of the tissue using a penknife or razor.

This is performed on children as young as one or two months old.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classified various FGM/C practices into four tiers - the first and worst being the partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce and the fourth being what is traditionally practised in Malaysia and pockets of Muslim communities in Southeast Asia.

Kelantan Reproductive Health Association president Rashidah Shuib...