As Malaysia continues to strengthen its approach to juvenile justice, understanding the legal framework that governs child offenders has never been more important. The Juvenile Justice System in Malaysia provides a thorough analysis of the Child Act 2001 and its amendments, judicial decisions, and international legal standards that shape the administration of justice for children.
More than a study of legislation, this book highlights why legal protection for child offenders matters at every stage of the justice process. It examines how the law safeguards children from arrest and investigation through trial, sentencing and rehabilitation, recognising that young offenders require a justice system that balances accountability with their rights, welfare and potential for reintegration into society.
The book traces the development of Malaysia’s juvenile justice system, exploring significant legal reforms, procedural safeguards and the distinctive role of the Court for Children. It addresses critical issues such as arrest procedures, access to parents and guardians, remand, investigation processes, trial procedures and post-trial orders, providing readers with a practical understanding of how the system operates in practice.
Drawing on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), international standards and ASEAN legal frameworks, the author also examines how global best practices can inform and strengthen Malaysia’s approach to juvenile justice. By identifying gaps, connecting legislative developments and proposing future directions for reform, the book contributes meaningfully to ongoing discussions on creating a more effective, humane and child-centred justice system.
For a practical perspective, the book also includes relevant court forms prescribed under the Child (Prescribed Forms and Register) Regulations 2007, enabling readers to gain a clearer understanding of the procedures and documentation used in proceedings involving child offenders.
Written as both a practical guide and an academic resource, this book is an invaluable reference for judges, magistrates, legal practitioners, prosecutors, academics, law enforcement officers, social welfare professionals, students and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the legal protection afforded to child offenders and the future of juvenile justice in Malaysia.
KEY FEATURES:
- Comprehensive analysis of the Malaysian juvenile justice laws.
- Coverage of the entire juvenile justice process.
- International and regional perspectives.
- Practical and authoritative reference.
- Valuable practical perspectives from an author experienced in juvenile justice.
CONTENTS:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of Chapters | 8 Chapters + Appendices |
| Contents | Chapter 1 – Introduction to the Juvenile Justice System in Malaysia
Chapter 2 – The Arrest of Child Offenders Chapter 3 – Pre-Trial Detention and Investigation of Child Offenders Chapter 4 – The Trial Stage Chapter 5 – The Post-Trial Stage Chapter 6 – The Protection of Child Offenders under the Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 Chapter 7 – The Protection of Child Offenders under the International Legal Framework Chapter 8 – The Juvenile Justice System in Malaysia: Moving Forward Appendices |
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Associate Professor Dr Nadzriah Ahmad is the Head of the Child Law & Policy Research Interest Group at UiTM Shah Alam and a recognised expert in child justice and children’s rights. She has advised Malaysian government agencies on child protection policies and legal reforms, particularly regarding children in conflict with the law. Her work promotes diversion and rehabilitation as child-centred alternatives to formal judicial processes.
A Fulbright Alumna, Dr Nadzriah has held research and visiting scholar positions at leading institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom and contributes internationally through Child Frontiers and ASEAN child justice initiatives. She is also Chairperson of the Child Law Centre and has published extensively on child rights and child justice.
