Malaysia’s new child policy prioritises digital safety against online exploitation

LocalTechnology
10 Feb 2026 • 3:53 PM MYT
The Sun Daily
The Sun Daily

For the latest news and features from Malaysia and the rest of the world.

image is not available

The National Child Policy 2026–2030 focuses on digital safety, advocacy and support to combat online sexual exploitation and cyber risks facing children.

KUALA LUMPUR: The newly launched National Child Policy 2026–2030 has placed a special emphasis on digital safety to address the growing risks of online sexual exploitation involving children.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying said the policy focuses on advocacy, prevention, intervention and support services to strengthen online child protection.

She stated that the policy incorporates elements of the earlier Child Protection Action Plan in Cyberspace to tackle emerging digital challenges.

“This shows that cyber risks and exploitation, especially online sexual exploitation, have been identified as issues requiring specific and focused approaches,” she said in Parliament.

Lim was responding to a supplementary question on how policies address current issues like cyberbullying and online sexual exploitation.

She also noted that Malaysia recently presented progress on children’s rights during a dialogue with the UN Committee on the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Geneva.

Issues raised there included ensuring equitable access to education and addressing digital environment risks.

On enforcement, Lim said the Social Welfare Department conducts inspections at least twice a year, along with surprise checks on unregistered premises.

A Taska Task Force has also been established to coordinate the registration of childcare centres nationwide to reduce abuse risks.