New online system for children to report crimes next year, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR: An online system for children to report crimes against them is in the pipeline for next year, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said this was to ensure children had access to a system that did not discriminate.

“Right now, the definition of reporting always refers to police reports. That can be tricky when the perpetrator is outside certain jurisdictions,” she said.

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She explained that in some countries, such complaints could be lodged online.

“With a Children's Commission Office, we are able to come up with a better system (to curb) under-reporting,” she told reporters after a walkabout at the International Children’s Day booth in Parliament on Monday (Nov 20).

Azalina said another challenge was the fear of reporting such crimes among both boys and girls.

“Certain victims do not say anything as they are afraid of shame. We hope the Children's Commissioner’s Office can come up with a structure, and work with other relevant agencies, when it comes to children's voices.

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“Everybody has a duty to report and we want those who feel afraid to come forward personally, (and) do so online,” she added.

This ensures children know they can reach out through a system that will not discriminate against them for reporting, Azalina said.

“We want children out there to feel safe, and report without fear or favour,” she said.

She added that the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Act 1999 also had to be amended to give the Children’s Commissioner more legitimacy so its office could function more completely, in dealing with overlapping ministries and agencies in government departments.

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On another matter, Azalina said the first reading of the Suhakam Amendment Bill will also be tabled during the current Parliament sitting.

“We hope so. There are three days for Bills. We will try and see if there is time.

“Hopefully it can be tabled after Budget 2024 is passed,” Azalina added.

Earlier on Monday, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul told the House that some 700,000 children in Gaza, Palestine had been displaced from their homes while more than 4,600 children lost their lives and 9,000 more injured in the current conflict.

“Let us pray that all children, especially those in Gaza, are protected against any harm,” he said.

Johari also reminded everyone, including parents, guardians, teachers and the community, to always carry out their responsibility in ensuring children are able to grow up without discrimination, violence and exploitation.