KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia must prioritise legal reforms to safeguard children from rising online threats, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, stressing that the country is lagging behind others in legislating protections for minors in the digital space.
Nancy acknowledged that while Malaysia has yet to enact a specific law to address such risks, discussions and cross-ministerial collaborations are ongoing to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive legal framework, Borneo Post reported.
“We don’t yet have a law, but it is being worked on. This is something we must do for our country, just as other countries have already established their own laws,” she told reporters after officiating the 2024 Excellent Service Awards (APC) ceremony for the Kuching District Education Office at Dewan Hikmah in Petra Jaya earlier today.
She added that efforts are already in motion through platforms such as the National Social Council, and that the new legislation is expected to be led by the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), under the stewardship of Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
“The law will be drafted through the Ministry in the Prime Minister’s Department. But we need cooperation from the Ministry of Digital and MCMC. It is not just the responsibility of one ministry,” she said.
“If the responsibility is eventually given to us, we will take it on—we are already cooperating with the relevant ministries.”
Nancy’s remarks come amid mounting concern over children’s exposure to online dangers, including exploitation, cyberbullying, and harmful content. She noted that Malaysia will present its efforts to the international community at the upcoming session of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in Geneva.
“InsyaAllah, we will be going to Geneva again for the CRC, where we will talk about what we have done and what we intend to do in Malaysia,” she added.
The minister also issued a reminder to parents to take greater care with their children’s digital presence, noting that seemingly innocent acts such as posting photos on social media could carry hidden risks.
“Even advertisements on television are reminding parents not to expose their children unnecessarily on social media, just because they think their child is cute. This can have serious consequences,” she said.
On the broader issue of child and adolescent mental health, Nancy responded to recent comments by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye urging parents not to rely solely on school counsellors.
“Parents do play a critical role. That’s why we always work closely with the Ministry of Education and local education departments. Today’s event is an example of how we collaborate.”
She said community involvement remains key, especially through Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG) and local leaders.
“We cannot leave the responsibility of shaping good values to teachers alone. We need input from parents, PIBG, and community leaders.”
Nancy added that her ministry runs several initiatives focused on youth support and mental health, including KafeTEEN, mobile outreach units, and the One-Stop Social Support Centre (PSSS), which links communities to trained counsellors and resources.
“We’ve been promoting the Talian Kasih 15999, which will direct callers to relevant counsellors. These issues are not limited to children; they affect society as a whole. Mental distress is a global issue,” she said.
“Some people don’t have anyone to talk to, so we create that support space. If needed, those who seek help through PSSS can be referred for more specialised treatment through proper arrangements.”
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