Cover image via @alqalsahar (Threads)
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A Malaysian has alleged sexual abuse he endured as a child actor, prompting public concern
In a series of Threads posts yesterday, 13 January, Alqal Sahar claimed that he was sodomised as a child by a family member, whom he described as an "animal".
Alqal said he came from a poor household and had to work in the film and TV industry to support his family financially.
For the sake of his career and to earn money, he moved from Johor to Kuala Lumpur to live with relatives, where he was allegedly forced to do "disgusting things".
"I endured it to earn money until I was 17 years old, then I ran away from that house.
"I couldn't bear my childhood being sodomised and forced by that 'male animal', and I feel many child actors of that era were victims of this 'animal' too.
"Even today, there are children caught in this, but they are just afraid to speak out," he claimed.
Alqal said he remained silent to preserve family ties but chose to speak out now, saying he still harbours resentment towards the alleged abuser, whom he claims has not changed
He also alleged that his own sister had been a victim of sexual harassment by the same individual.
"I'm speaking out now because I don't want child actors today to go through the disgusting things I had to face.
"Back then, I was forced to endure it for the sake of money, and perhaps because of family ties. But how much longer am I supposed to keep this bottled up?
"That 'animal' is happy, constantly searching for new victims. I hope what I'm doing goes viral so that Malaysians know the dark side child actors face — children who want become stars desperately but have to deal with this 'animal' wearing a human mask.
"He was related to me, and he still had the heart to do it. Imagine what he'd do to others," Alqal wrote.
He said he moved to work in the behind-the-scenes crew after his traumatic experience, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to his village.
Alqal said he plans to share more about his experience after his uncle's funeral, noting that it feels strange for his story to go viral while he is with family.
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Weekdays (9.30am – 4.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Weekdays (9am – 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4390698
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6082-422660
SMS/WhatsApp: +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 2pm)
Contact: +6088-280200
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6016-2273065 | +6016-7213065
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
8. HEAL
Contact: 15555
