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SHAH ALAM – The ever-advancing digital world has created vast new risks for children, including the circulation of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
CSAM can be referred to any form of content, images, videos, illustrations, or digitally manipulated visuals, that depict the sexual abuse of children.
According to Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil, the CSAM threat is now considerably more hidden and difficult to detect, as it spreads through various means including social media, gaming apps and covert platforms like the dark web.
“CSAM is not a foreign issue. It happens here, inside the phones and computers of our children. Society’s silence only gives predators more room to operate,” he told Sinar.
He further stated that those who possess, distribute or create CSAM can face severe legal consequences, including up to 30 years' imprisonment under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
Additionally, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 outlines penalties for distributing immoral content, including a RM50,000 fine or up to a year in prison.
Notably, a common tactic used by predators is ‘grooming’, where trust is gradually built before the act of child exploitation.
“There have been cases where primary school pupils were contacted through online games and asked to send indecent photos. Without parental supervision, these crimes can easily happen.
“Early exposure to digital safety issues like CSAM is critical. Our children must be digitally literate and able to distinguish between safe and dangerous situations,” Siraj said.
Thus, he urged parents, teachers and the community to report any suspicious behaviour to authorities or through platforms such as aduan.mcmc.gov.my.
To reinforce this, the government launched the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS), an initiative spearheaded by the Communications Ministry and MCMC.
KIS targets primary school children, university students, teachers, parents, senior citizens and the Madani community through talks, exhibitions, training and interactive competitions.
He said that the campaign’s main activities include the Interactive Internet Safety Module for children under 13, special guides for teachers and parents, and competitions like Choral Speaking and Menu Viral with the theme 'Semak Sebelum Sebar' (Verify Before Sharing).
“The campaign is being carried out in two phases from January 2025 until 2027, involving over 10,000 schools, universities, communities and Digital Economy Centres (NADI) nationwide.
“Key modules highlighted include digital literacy, social media dangers and platform age restrictions.
“KIS also aims to foster a safer digital ecosystem through collaboration with various stakeholders including teachers, parents, NGOs, and grassroots communities,” Siraj added.
Alternatively, he reminded the public not to ignore their role and to take all suspicious behaviour involving children seriously.
Parents remain unaware
Former SK Serting Ilir PTA president Nurulazma Shafiqah Khairul Azhar, pointed out that many parents are unaware of this threat and believe it only occurs through abduction or in foreign countries.
“In reality, it can happen right in their own homes. Once a child uploads a photo on social media without supervision, the risk already exists,” she said.
She noted that digital safety issues are rarely discussed at PTA meetings, which typically focus more on academics or discipline.
As such, she proposed that schools and PTAs establish Digital Safety Units to draft guidelines and organise awareness campaigns for parents and students.
“Teachers also need training to identify signs of digital exploitation among pupils,” she said.
She added further that government efforts must be supported with straightforward, accessible approaches to ensure the message of digital safety reaches all layers of society.
CSAM leads to trauma
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) senior lecturer Dr Nurhafizah Mohd Sukor clarified that exposure to CSAM can cause deep emotional trauma both in the short and long term.
“Children may feel ashamed, afraid, panicked and lose trust in others. If left untreated, these emotional wounds can persist into adulthood.
“Warning signs include behavioural changes, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, becoming withdrawn or increased irritability,” she said.
Additionally, she noted that victims may panic when encountering elements resembling the abuser’s actions or visuals.
“In the long run, these emotional scars can result in trauma where children experience flashbacks of the abuser’s behaviour,” she warned.
Ultimately, it is advised for parents to provide emotional support, maintain open communication, and seek professional help if their child exhibits trauma symptoms.
