Malaysia’s laws are being reviewed to enhance the protection of children against sex crimes, particularly in relation to social media and online applications, says Nancy Shukri, the minister for women, family, and community development.
She said the authorities, civil society and local communities, especially parents, were being consulted on ways to strengthen child protection mechanisms.
“This effort is being intensified in response to the challenges posed by technological and digital developments, particularly in addressing cases of paedophilia from the earliest stages,” she said after closing a child protection advocacy event in Samariang Aman near here today.
Nancy said several concrete proposals still need to be presented before the government tables improvements or amendments to the relevant acts, including the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, to ensure total protection.
“We want these laws to be comprehensive, not just limited to police investigations. They must involve all parties, particularly communities in every state. Any views or proposals will be taken into consideration.”
She added that engagement sessions so far have received encouraging responses, especially from parents, reflecting a growing level of public awareness despite the rising statistics of sexual crimes against children.
