The national registration department (JPN) has not received any official complaints regarding allegations of a paedophile ring exploiting its adoption system to sexually abuse infants, the home ministry said.
The ministry stressed that it takes all allegations seriously and will act without compromise.
“Any unlawful action will not be tolerated,” the ministry said in a parliamentary reply to Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera).
It also noted that the adoption system under the Registration of Adoptions Act 1952, which includes de facto adoptions via JPN, follows strict conditions and procedures, such as a minimum custody period, consent from biological parents, and verification of official documents.
The ministry said while it considers its existing procedures adequate, it is reviewing and refining existing provisions with the aim of amending both the Registration of Adoptions Act 1952 and the Adoption Act 1952.
“The amendment to the Adoption Act is expected to be tabled next year to ensure our adoption laws remain relevant and continue to protect children,” it said.
In August, Bukit Aman authorities dismantled a syndicate led by a 29-year-old suspect who allegedly recorded himself sexually abusing children and infants.
The videos of the victims being abused were sold via Telegram and on the dark web to selected local and foreign buyers.
Police claimed the suspect obtained custody of victims by legally adopting them through posts on Facebook offering babies for adoption.
Child rights activist Hartini Zainudin subsequently urged Putrajaya to overhaul adoption laws and procedures, noting that the system under the Registration of Adoptions Act 1952, which allows parents or de facto custodians to register a child without court proceedings, leaves room for abuse.
