KUALA LUMPUR – Today, the internet provides significant benefits, as it is accessible to nearly everyone. However, it also poses various risks, especially for children. One of the primary dangers children face online is sexual grooming.
According to Bernama, rape cases involving underage girls have risen over the past three years, with police attributing many to grooming that began on social media, including messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
SAC Siti Kamsiah Hassan, principal assistant director of Bukit Aman’s Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division (D11), stated that most victims reported first meeting perpetrators online through social media.
“The majority of these underage victims disclosed to investigators that they initially interacted with the perpetrators on platforms such as online chat forums before meeting them face-to-face,” she explained to Bernama. “This indicates that these girls experienced a grooming phase, starting with simple greetings like ‘hi’ and compliments, which then escalated to sending nude photos. This eventually led to in-person meetings, where these girls were sexually assaulted, sometimes even by groups.
What is Online Child Grooming?
Online child grooming is a worldwide concern. This issue, also known as online child exploitation or online sexual grooming, involves deliberate and often hidden actions by adults aimed at building relationships with children and adolescents in digital spaces, with the specific intention of facilitating sexual exploitation.2
Over the past two decades, Malaysia has made significant strides in strengthening laws related to sexual offences, demonstrating a growing commitment to addressing sexual crimes against children. Federal laws such as the Child Act 2001, the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2007 (SOCA), and the Penal Code all include provisions focused on protecting children from sexual offences. Additionally, international standards like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) safeguard children’s rights within the global community.
However, with the prevalence of social media in today’s social interactions, there is now growing concern about predatory adults taking advantage of children in social media. Hence, it is crucial to protect them from online sexual predators through strong laws and effective enforcement.
It is therefore timely that Malaysia plans to introduce a new regulatory framework for major social media and internet messaging platforms within the country. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced that enforcement of this class license will begin on January 1, 2025.
Do not think that it is not serious
When asked why some parents hesitate to report child sexual abuse incidents, Siti Kamsiah said some assume there is no use if evidence is lacking or the child shows no visible harm. “But only by lodging reports can we assess the impact of technology on society,” she said.
On the other hand, she noted that some parents may be unaware their child has been victimised in non-physical abuse until serious harm is done. Sometimes, families only become aware of the abuse after a suspect circulates the child’s explicit photo, and the child confesses when questioned.
“Usually, parents are unaware,” she said. “They may only find out when threats arise, the child feels afraid, or after the images have been shared.
Siti Kamsiah encouraged the public to come forward and help to eradicate these crimes. “Without reports, it’s difficult for us to fully combat these issues,” she said.
In a recent case, a 24-year-old school bus driver posted a video of a primary school student, referring to her as his ‘crush’. He pleaded not guilty to two charges of sexually assaulting minors, including his niece, at the Muar Sessions Court. This case came to light when an X user shared a screenshot of the bus driver’s TikTok post, prompting Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri to direct Child Development Department officers to file a police report against him.
Do your part today
Members of the public are encouraged to report social media content that misuses children’s images and videos, including content that shows mistreatment of children and suspected child abuse.
“MCMC actively monitors content daily, but it’s important to recognise that our team is limited in size, and social media algorithms influence what users see, meaning not everyone is exposed to the same content,” Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching explained.
Teo further stated that MCMC welcomes complaints and will take appropriate action, and reminded the public that MCMC has an email, a website and a hotline for this purpose. She also advised parents to avoid using children, especially minors, as social media content.
In the digital age where children are increasingly vulnerable to online risks, proactive measures by parents, authorities and society are crucial to their protection. The rise in online grooming incidents underscores the need for vigilance, effective reporting and comprehensive laws.
As Malaysia strengthens its regulatory frameworks and invites public cooperation, each report and action taken helps to shield children from exploitation and foster a safer online environment. Through awareness, community support and enforcement, we can work together to guard against these dangers and ensure the well-being of future generations. – January 15, 2025