Juvenile Delinquency among Malaysian Adolescents: Probation Officers’ Accounts on Driving Factors and Curbing Strategies

Abstract

Defined as illegal or wrongful acts committed by minors under 18, juvenile delinquency poses a significant concern to society, legal authorities, parents, and educators. Adolescents involved in juvenile delinquencies may be subjected to legal action by the court system, which can result in outcomes detrimental to their future. Theories on juvenile delinquencies proposed several grounds and explanations for adolescents’ involvement in unlawful activities, and a principal element is an inability to conform to societal norms stemming from issues relating to family background, peer influence and socioeconomic status. However, further insights are needed into the causes of adolescents’ involvement in unlawful activities and strategies to prevent or curb the increase in juvenile delinquencies, particularly within the Malaysian context. This study investigates the leading factors of juvenile delinquencies among Malaysian adolescents and provides insights into the risk factors associated with juvenile delinquencies. A basic qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews was employed, and significant findings were drawn from the experience of two probation officers dealing directly with adolescents charged in court. The interview data were transcribed and thematically analysed, and the results suggest factors such as family instability, lack of parental support and involvement, peer pressure, inconducive living environment, poor education and awareness, and the delinquents’ attitude toward unlawful behaviours highly influence their involvement in crimes. These findings have implications for understanding the contributing factors to juvenile delinquencies, identifying risk factors, and strategising the development of preventive, intervention and rehabilitation programs by the relevant authorities.