Malaysia has taken significant steps to enhance child protection laws, specifically targeting online exploitation. The National Child Policy and the National Child Action Plan (2026-2030) were recently introduced to reinforce these measures, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Strengthened Child Protection Framework
The new policies address critical issues such as grooming, cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and emotional harm to children. Ahmad Zahid emphasized the need for these measures during the 2025 Asean ICT Forum on Child Protection, where he stated that the reforms aim to adapt to the evolving challenges children face in the digital environment.
Key Initiatives for Child Safety
- Legal literacy campaigns focused on children’s rights.
- Simplified registration processes for welfare homes.
- Internet safety awareness programs targeting teachers, students, and parents.
These initiatives are designed not only to protect children but also to raise awareness about the dangers they encounter online. Ahmad Zahid pointed out that a staggering 9,000 cyberbullying complaints were filed in Malaysia in 2024, averaging 27 cases daily.
Regional Collaboration for Enhanced Protection
The Deputy Prime Minister advocated for local initiatives alongside regional cooperation. He noted that harmful online content can rapidly affect all 11 Asean nations, urging the establishment of a comprehensive Asean Child Protection Information Exchange Network. This network aims to facilitate quick alerts, data sharing, and coordinated responses to threats.
Proposed Strategic Measures
- A Shared Digital Forensics Protocol to streamline investigations.
- A unified Asean Digital Guardianship Curriculum to equip children with digital literacy and safety skills.
According to Ahmad Zahid, these protocols will help close jurisdictional gaps that offenders often exploit. The goal is to foster a safer digital landscape for future generations.
Upcoming Legislative Efforts
During a press conference, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri revealed that the Anti-Bullying Bill is set to be introduced during the current parliamentary session. This legislation aims to strengthen policies against online bullying and sexual harassment.
Importantly, victims of online harassment will have the option to bring their cases before the Sexual Harassment Tribunal. Nancy highlighted that the ministry is already addressing incidents involving children, demonstrating a proactive approach to combat online threats.
