PETALING JAYA: The public and the media have been reminded not to publish, share or disseminate any photographs, videos or information that could reveal the identity of children involved in criminal cases.
The Social Welfare Department said this also applies to content shared on social media or any digital communication platform, including material related to the recent viral incident involving students at a school in Banting.
It said any information that could lead to the identification of a child must not be disclosed, regardless of whether the child is a victim, witness, or an individual involved in or suspected of being involved in any criminal offence.
"Revealing the identity of a child is an offence under Section 15 of the Child Act 2001, which prohibits the publication or broadcast of any photograph, name, address, educational institution or any other particulars that could lead to the identification of a child.
"Anyone convicted of an offence under the provision is liable to a fine of not more than RM10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both," it said in a statement on Wednesday (July 8).
The department said disclosing a child's identity not only violates the law but could also jeopardise the child's safety, emotional well-being, dignity and recovery process.
It said such actions could have long-term consequences on the child's life and development.
It urged all parties to stop sharing content that could reveal the identity of children and to respect their right to privacy.
"The public is also urged to use social media ethically and responsibly and to allow the authorities to carry out their investigations in accordance with the law," it said.
