Juvenile Delinquency in Malaysia: Legal Framework and Prospects for Reforms

It is undeniable that offences committed by young offenders in Malaysia are increasing. Progress in technology and development in IT has exposed our youngsters to various violent related programmes. The type ofoffences committed differs from the early days.Thus, it is timely to examine the existing legalframework and to suggest reforms to the system so that the aspects relating to punishment of young offenders can be reviewed. This is necessary to ensure that the punishment is deterrent and rehabilitative whilst at the same time, it would safeguard the interests and welfare of young offenders. This paper examines the application of the law pertaining to the criminal liability ofyoung offenders and their positions in both the civil and shari ah systems