KENINGAU: Parents, teachers and society must work together to prevent more youngsters from being sexually exploited by prostitution rings, said Sekolah Adat Anak Negeri Sabah (SAANS) Keningau Principal Rozie Gitang.
Rozie, who is a recipient of the 2025 Keningau District Kaamatan Special Award, said this in response to a prostitution syndicate operating out of local hotels that was crippled by authorities after two Form Two female students became victims of the criminal network.
She praised police effectiveness while emphasising this case serves as a serious warning.
“This phenomenon not only affects students and damages parents’ reputations, but also tarnishes the image of educational institutions meant to nurture well-rounded individuals,” she said, expressing concern about the potential collapse of youth morals if not addressed immediately.
She noted that such crimes, once confined to other areas, have now reached their own community, urging parents, teachers and society to work together before more victims emerge.
The case came to light when parents lodged police reports on July 24, leading to a comprehensive operation from July 24-29 that successfully broke up the syndicate.
An 18-year-old woman known as “Elly” believed to be the ring leader, now faces charges under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
Police investigations revealed the suspect solicited clients through social media applications, charging about RM200 per service.
Keningau District Police Chief Supt Yampil Garai said community cooperation is important in combating human trafficking crimes.
Police remind parents to monitor their teenage children’s movements and report any suspicious activities immediately.
Rozie, who is a recipient of the 2025 Keningau District Kaamatan Special Award, said this in response to a prostitution syndicate operating out of local hotels that was crippled by authorities after two Form Two female students became victims of the criminal network.
She praised police effectiveness while emphasising this case serves as a serious warning.
“This phenomenon not only affects students and damages parents’ reputations, but also tarnishes the image of educational institutions meant to nurture well-rounded individuals,” she said, expressing concern about the potential collapse of youth morals if not addressed immediately.
She noted that such crimes, once confined to other areas, have now reached their own community, urging parents, teachers and society to work together before more victims emerge.
The case came to light when parents lodged police reports on July 24, leading to a comprehensive operation from July 24-29 that successfully broke up the syndicate.
An 18-year-old woman known as “Elly” believed to be the ring leader, now faces charges under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
Police investigations revealed the suspect solicited clients through social media applications, charging about RM200 per service.
Keningau District Police Chief Supt Yampil Garai said community cooperation is important in combating human trafficking crimes.
Police remind parents to monitor their teenage children’s movements and report any suspicious activities immediately.