Non-consensual sexual content — including sextortion, coercion, and self-generated intimate images involving minors — has become the most severe online harm faced by children in Malaysia, according to UNICEF. Alarmingly, most victims never report the abuse.
Speaking to Malay Mail at the ASEAN ICT Forum on Child Protection, UNICEF Malaysia deputy representative Sanja Saranovic said sexualized online exploitation has now surpassed bullying and scams as the most damaging threat to minors.
“There was a clear mapping of harms presented today, and non-consensual sexual content is number one,” she said.
“Even if minors record sexual content willingly, consent does not apply — because they are children.”
According to the Disrupting Harm Malaysia 2022 report, 4% of internet users aged 12 to 17 — around 100,000 Malaysian children — experienced online sexual exploitation or abuse in the past year. Yet, most incidents never reach law enforcement.
Police data from the D11 Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division reveals very few cases are reported. Many victims remain silent due to:
- Shame or embarrassment
- Fear of punishment or blame
- Not knowing how or where to report
- Cultural stigma — especially in cases involving same-sex perpetrators
Children often confide in peers rather than adults, and nearly half do not tell anyone at all.
Saranovic noted that Malaysia is not lagging behind regional peers and praised recent legal amendments that officially recognise sextortion.
She commended the multi-stakeholder engagement seen at the forum, involving ministries, NGOs, industry partners and even youth participants.
However, she warned that major platforms like Meta and TikTok, while responsive, are not enough:
“Newer and fast-growing apps — including some from China — remain under-regulated and can become hotspots for abuse. Protection cannot rely solely on parents or children. Platforms must make safety a baseline.”
The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development is expected to follow up with tech companies to push for stronger content moderation and faster removal of harmful material.
Cases have been reported in children “as early as nine,” but inconsistent monitoring remains a major challenge. The report also found:
- 56% of children don’t know where to seek help
- 34% don’t know how to report dangerous content
When asked about addressing sexual risks in a conservative, Muslim-majority context, Saranovic emphasised that contextualisation is possible without exclusion.
“Research shows that open conversations help children recognise right and wrong. Cultural sensitivity matters, but programmes can be designed to fit local values.”
The report noted 60% of Malaysian children received no sex education in the past year.
While some countries attempt to ban or delay social media access until age 16, UNICEF Malaysia does not support the approach.
“Banning doesn’t work. Skill-building works,” she said.
“Children must learn to navigate risks — not avoid them entirely.”
She encouraged gradual exposure and shared an example of a parent who gave a three-year-old a phone but limited use to taking photos.
“Most kids don’t report because they fear being judged or punished,” said Saranovic.
“Parents must create a safe space so children feel able to speak up.”
She stressed that tackling online child harm requires partnership between parents, schools, the community, tech companies and authorities.
