KUALA LUMPUR: The government should immediately set up a special court for sexual crimes against children in every state to protect the children who had fallen victim to such crimes, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (BN-Pengerang) said.

She said the special court should be set up to ensure the privacy of the underaged victims is well protected during trials.

"Trials of sexual crimes against children are currently being held at normal courts...and to be called as a witness, of course, they will hesitate, it will be embarrassing for them.

"That's why we ask for a special court, special witness room and special approach...for these children.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic (lockdown), how many children have been abused at home and where do they have to go?" she said when debating the 12th Malaysia Plan at Dewan Rakyat sitting today.

-- BERNAMA