Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the ministry would provide counselling and other support services to the 12-year-old girl who was raped by a former restaurant manager married off to him later.

She said the Social Welfare Department would undertake this task to help the child gain confidence in leading a normal life.

In a statement on Wednesday, Rohani said she was thankful that the case had been resolved.

The Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court sentenced the former restaurant manager to 12 years' imprisonment and two whips of the cane on Feb 3 for raping the underaged girl.

"The decision is the best defence for the child. At the age of 12, she should be given protection and a chance to excel in education for a brighter future," said the minister.

She said this was in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child which was applicable in Malaysia.