June 30, 2026
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia must strengthen enforcement systems and international coordination so that its expanded child sexual offences law can effectively tackle borderless crimes, says Sri Aman MP Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie.
The Sexual Offences Against Children (Amendment) Bill 2026 seeks to extend the 2017 Act to cover Malaysians, permanent residents and individuals ordinarily residing in Malaysia for offences committed overseas.
It also broadens protection to Malaysian children and those living in Malaysia, regardless of where the crime occurs.
“Child sexual crimes have become transnational in nature, driven by social media, online gaming platforms and encrypted messaging apps,” she said in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (June 29).
These platforms have enabled online grooming, sexual blackmail and the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) across borders, she added.
“A child in Sri Aman, Kuching or Kuala Lumpur can be targeted by someone thousands of kilometres away,” she said.
Doris, however, questioned whether Malaysia is fully prepared to enforce the expanded jurisdiction in real time.
She raised concerns over the speed of digital evidence loss, noting that crucial data can be deleted within seconds if not acted upon quickly.
She asked whether enforcement agencies such as the police, Attorney General’s Chambers and MCMC have sufficient digital forensic expertise and manpower to manage increasing transnational cases.
She also called for the establishment of a dedicated multi-agency task force combining the Royal Malaysia Police, MCMC, the Attorney General’s Chambers and other relevant agencies to improve coordination and response time.
Doris further urged Malaysia to strengthen international cooperation through faster mutual legal assistance frameworks and joint cross-border investigations.
She said digital forensic training must also be enhanced to ensure investigators can handle encrypted platforms and complex online evidence trails.
Beyond enforcement, she proposed that digital safety education be expanded in schools and that parents be equipped to recognise early signs of online grooming and exploitation.
She stressed the need for comprehensive long-term care including psychological support, legal aid, identity protection and rehabilitation services.
“Many child victims suffer lifelong trauma including depression, anxiety, PTSD, dropping out of school and difficulties in adult relationships,” she said.
Doris also called for clear KPIs to measure the effectiveness of the law, including investigation rates, prosecution outcomes and conviction rates for cross-border cases.
She further asked if additional government funding would be allocated to strengthen forensic capabilities, training and international cooperation efforts.
She said Malaysia must ensure offenders are pursued “no matter where they run,” stressing that justice must keep pace with digital crime.