MUIS to strengthen safeguards for children and youth through common framework across mosques

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) will create a uniform safeguarding framework for mosques to better protect children and youth. This follows a sexual assault case where a self-styled religious mentor, a 37-year-old Singaporean man, took two young boys from a vulnerable family and raped the younger one multiple times and molested the older one.

The 37-year-old man, who was not an accredited religious teacher, was sentenced in mid-August. MUIS announced on Saturday that it would strengthen existing security measures such as patrols and CCTV monitoring, and develop a common safeguarding framework across mosques. This framework will set out safeguarding principles, outline responsibilities of mosque personnel, and establish clear reporting and escalation protocols for concerns.

It will also enhance monitoring of informal gatherings involving minors and conduct periodic safeguarding audits, reinforcing practices across mosque premises. MUIS will provide practical guidance for children and youth on personal safety and engage parents with awareness resources, helping them recognize warning signs and navigate online risks.