The Social Welfare Department (JKM) and its district protection officers will provide support services to the family of the five-year-old girl reportedly raped in Kota Baharu, Kelantan, according to a Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) statement issued Friday.

The support would include counseling interventions and assistance should the the victim and her family members require follow-up consultations at the hospital.

"Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim has directed protection officers in the district to take immediate action on the case.

"The officers will analyse if the child needs protection and appropriate action will be taken to place the victim in a safe place or with people who are fit and suitable," the ministry said.

Last Tuesday, a five-year-old girl was reportedly raped by an unknown man when she went out to buy ice at a shop not far from her home in Kampung Pauh 2, Banggu, Kota Baharu.

KPWKM in expressing sadness and sympathy for what had happened also condemned the indecent act and hoped that the perpetrator would be brought to justice and severely punished.

The Ministry said it would continue to extend aid, primarily counseling aid as well as other forms of support to help the child gain confidence and lead a normal life.

The Ministry also hoped that parents would be more wary in future to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.