Policy addresses host of Internet-related dangers
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has strengthened child protection rights and measures against online sexual exploitation through the National Child Policy and the National Child Action Plan (2026-2030), says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the updated policy reinforces safeguards against grooming, cyberbullying, sexual exploitation and emotional harm.
Some key actions include legal literacy campaigns on children’s rights, simplified registration for welfare homes and Internet safety awareness initiatives for teachers, students and parents.
“This policy is also designed to respond to current challenges, including the risks of violence, neglect, exploitation, mental health concerns, the digital divide and online safety threats faced by children,” Ahmad Zahid said during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Asean ICT Forum on Child Protection and the launch of the policy here yesterday.
Also present was Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Ahmad Zahid said the launch marks a transformation of the child protection system, complementing existing frameworks and serving as an overarching policy to create a safe environment for children’s development.
Protect the youth: Ahmad Zahid (third from left) and Nancy (second from left), among others, celebrating the launch of the Asean ICT Forum on Child Protection in Kuala Lumpur. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), there were around 9,000 cyberbullying complaints in 2024, with an average of 27 cases per day.
Ahmad Zahid said this issue needed local initiatives and regional collaboration.
“Online harm has no borders; a single harmful post can reach 11 Asean countries in minutes.
“Based on research, nearly 70% of parents in Asean remain unaware of the digital risks their children face,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid also outlined three strategic priorities for protecting children in the digital sphere.
He said Malaysia calls for an Asean Child Protection Information Exchange Network, which enables faster alerts, shared data and coordinated cross-border responses to online threats.
Ahmad Zahid also said that Malaysia proposes a Shared Digital Forensics Protocol to speed up investigations and harmonise evidence-sharing.
He said it would prevent offenders exploiting jurisdictional loopholes, adding that Malaysia recommends an Asean Digital Guardianship Curriculum as a unified module for schools.
Ahmad Zahid noted that it would build digital resilience, ethical awareness and online safety skills from an early age.
At a press conference, Nancy revealed that the Anti-Bullying Bill is expected to be tabled in the current Parliament sitting.
She also said the ministry is strengthening its policies on online bullying and sexual harassment.
“For children who are targeted online, cases can still be brought before the Sexual Harassment Tribunal, and this includes offences committed in digital spaces.
“We have already handled at least one such case involving a child,” she said.
