Wan Azizah: Asean countries should share intel report on convicted paedophiles, sex offenders

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is proposing that Asean countries share information on convicted paedophiles and perpetrators of sex crimes against children to better protect them from online sexual abuse and exploitation.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said such information can then be used by authorities as a precautionary measure to keep tabs on individuals who might have served their time and are travelling beyond their borders.

She added that information on the modus operandi of those convicted or charged can also be used by Malaysian authorities to check if these criminals are targeting those beyond their borders.

"Sometimes it's quite vulnerable. They are looking for places where such things can easily happen.

"This sharing of intelligence can help prevent serial sex offenders such as Richard Huckle from reaching our shores," she said in her speech at the Cyber Defense Conference - Cyberspace and the Threats to National Security on Tuesday (June 18).

Dr Wan Azizah said the sharing of information and best practices can also help Malaysia in building walls against sex offenders and other cyber criminals.

Dr Wan Azizah said the Government is also in the midst of reviewing the National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) and developing a more contemporary Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS).

The MCSS will be launched next month.

The NCSP, she said, has been there for a long time mainly focusing on the protection of critical information infrastructure.

"The development of MCSS is certainly timely.

"MCSS is a 5-year comprehensive strategy which will holistically encompass all aspects of Malaysia's cybersecurity concerns including governance; legislation and enforcement; innovation, industry development, technology security and research and development (R&D); capacity building and raising awareness; as well as encouraging stronger international engagement and cooperation, " she said.