MENANGANI KONFLIK NILAI DAN ETIKA: PERANAN INSTITUSI PENDIDIKAN, KELUARGA, DAN PENGUATKUASAAN UNDANG-UNDANG DALAM MENCEGAH FENOMENA SUGAR DATING DI KALANGAN GENERASI MUDA

The phenomenon of “sugar dating” has emerged as a form of illicit relationship that is increasingly prevalent among university students in Malaysia. In this arrangement, younger individuals (“sugar babies”), often students, receive financial or material support from older individuals (“sugar daddies” or “sugar mommies”). Participation in such relationships is driven by several key factors, including financial pressure arising from the rising cost of living—particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic—lack of attention and emotional support from family members, as well as the desire to pursue luxurious lifestyle trends. Although frequently promoted as a mutually beneficial relationship, this practice carries serious negative implications. These include psychological risks such as depression and Stockholm syndrome resulting from power imbalances, safety concerns involving the misuse of personal information and exposure to sexual crimes, as well as the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). From a legal perspective, although there is no specific law governing sugar dating, such activities may fall within the scope of offences under Syariah criminal law and the Penal Code relating to prostitution and immoral conduct. From an Islamic legal (syarak) standpoint, practices that encourage free mixing (ikhtilāṭ) and lead to adultery (zinā) are strictly prohibited. Therefore, a holistic approach is essential, encompassing widespread awareness campaigns, the strengthening of the family’s role in religious and moral education, and stricter law enforcement against platforms that promote sugar dating. Such measures are critical in addressing this issue and safeguarding the social and ethical well-being of Malaysian society.

Fenomena ‘Sugar Dating’ merupakan isu hubungan terlarang yang semakin menular dalam kalangan mahasiswa di Malaysia, di mana individu yang lebih muda ('Sugar Baby'), seringkali pelajar, menerima sokongan kewangan atau material daripada individu yang lebih tua ('Sugar Daddy'/'Sugar Mommy'). Keterlibatan ini didorong oleh faktor-faktor utama seperti tekanan menampung kos sara hidup yang meningkat, terutamanya sejak Pandemik COVID-19, kekurangan perhatian dan kasih sayang daripada keluarga, serta keinginan untuk mengejar trend gaya hidup mewah. Walaupun dipromosikan sebagai hubungan yang saling menguntungkan (mutual benefit), amalan ini menimbulkan implikasi negatif yang serius, termasuk risiko trauma psikologi seperti kemurungan dan sindrom Stockholm akibat ketidakseimbangan kuasa, isu keselamatan seperti penyalahgunaan maklumat peribadi dan pendedahan kepada jenayah seksual, dan penularan Penyakit Jangkitan Seksual (STD). Dari sudut pandangan perundangan, meskipun tiada undang-undang khusus untuk 'Sugar Dating', aktiviti ini boleh disabitkan di bawah peruntukan undang-undang Jenayah Syariah dan Kanun Keseksaan yang berkaitan dengan pelacuran dan persundalan. Secara syarak, amalan yang menggalakkan pergaulan bebas (ikhtilat) dan membawa kepada perzinaan (zina) adalah dilarang keras. Oleh yang demikian, penyelesaian holistik yang melibatkan kempen kesedaran meluas, pengukuhan peranan keluarga dalam pendidikan agama dan moral, serta penguatkuasaan undang-undang yang lebih tegas terhadap platform promosi 'sugar dating' adalah kritikal untuk menangani isu ini dan melindungi kesejahteraan sosial dan etika masyarakat Malaysia.