New: Singapore Minister Disturbed by Mosque Child Assault Case

SINGAPORE, Aug 19, 2026 – Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad said he was “deeply disturbed” after learning of a sexual assault case involving young children at a mosque.

A 37-year-old Singaporean man was sentenced to 27 years and 10 months’ jail and 24 strokes of the cane for raping one boy and molesting another. The offender had taken in the children from a broken family while conducting informal religious lessons.

Mosque Child Assault

In a video statement, Zaqy stressed that the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) is reviewing safeguards and strengthening security measures, particularly around informal activities involving children and youths. “What happened should never have happened. Not to any child, not anywhere, and certainly not in a place where families should feel safe,” he said.

MUIS announced plans to enhance patrols and CCTV monitoring, while working with relevant organisations to support the victims’ family. Zaqy clarified that the offender was neither a mosque staff member nor an accredited religious teacher under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS), but acknowledged that some interactions had taken place within the mosque.

He urged vigilance to ensure mosques remain safe spaces for worshippers and communities.

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