KUALA LUMPUR: Online child sexual exploitation is emerging as a fast-growing threat that demands urgent attention, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister cited police monitoring that shows a clear rise in technology-driven offences involving children.
He said police data and trend analysis point to a worrying shift, with more cases now linked to online grooming, abuse, and other forms of digital exploitation.
"Through ongoing monitoring, the police have found an increasing tendency of technology-based crimes, including online child sexual exploitation, which requires special attention and immediate action," he said in a written reply on Wednesday (Dec 3).
Responding to Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid, Saifuddin said the police continuously tracks developments in child sexual crimes based on police reports, investigation papers, and current trend analysis.
"This helps identify crime patterns, high-risk areas, victim and offender profiles, and the modus operandi used," he added.
He said child sexual offences cover rape, sodomy, molestation, grooming, and child pornography.
Alongside investigations and enforcement, the police also carries out preventive programmes, including outreach activities, school and community awareness talks, and collaborations with government agencies and NGOs to help parents and guardians recognise risks and early warning signs.
On the legal framework, Saifuddin said existing laws including the Penal Code and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 remain the main instruments for prosecution.
While current laws are considered adequate for effective investigations, he said the Home Ministry and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry are reviewing whether further legal enhancements are needed to ensure more comprehensive action against offenders while safeguarding children’s safety.
