Female circumcision in Malaysia: A way forward for safe practice
List of Authors
  • Farhanin Abdullah Asuhaimi , Nursyafiqa Izzati Azmi Rais

Keyword
  • Female Circumcision, Female Genital Mutilation, Male Circumcision, Malaysia

Abstract
  • Female circumcision (FC), commonly referred to as sunat perempuan, is a practice embedded in the cultural and religious fabric of Malaysia, particularly among the Malay Muslim community. While the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies FC under the broader category of female genital mutilation (FGM), Malaysia’s Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development clarified in 2018 that FC, particularly in its less invasive forms, is considered a cultural obligation rather than a form of mutilation. This distinction is crucial as it reflects a comprehensive understanding of FC within the Malaysian context, where it is viewed as a religious obligation rather than a harmful procedure. This research explores the scope of FC at the international level, it’s legality in Islamic law and its practice in Malaysia The study combines qualitative interviews with a thorough analysis of the current literature to provide an extensive analysis of FC practices in Malaysia. One of the critical findings is the lack of standardised guidelines, which has resulted in considerable variety of procedures, different equipment used, and the non-qualified person to perform FC. These inconsistencies raise concerns about the potential risks of infection, bleeding, and other complications. This research highlights the necessity of developing standardised guidelines for FC in Malaysia, akin to the existing guidelines for male circumcision, which may assist in ensuring the procedures for FC are carried out safely and ethically. By suggesting the existence of comprehensive guidelines for FC in Malaysia, this study aims to mitigate the risks associated with FC, foster uniformity in practice and enhance the protection of female infants undergoing this procedure.

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