Cases of online child sexual abuse in Malaysia have risen to alarming levels, with experts believing the number has now surpassed the previously reported figure of 100,000 cases per year.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri attributed the increase to several factors. “Firstly, there is greater awareness, which may lead to more reports. Secondly, predators now have more opportunities to exploit children, particularly through online platforms,” she said during a press conference at the 2025 ASEAN ICT Forum on Child Online Protection.
Nancy expressed concern that many parents remain unaware of the risks their children face online, particularly those who are busy with work or unfamiliar with digital dangers. She also highlighted that teachers, while responsible for student welfare, are often limited in their ability to monitor children’s online activities.
“Some children feel confident navigating the online world and may unknowingly expose themselves to risks,” she added. The minister stressed that safeguarding children requires a collective effort, involving government agencies, families, teachers, and the wider community.
The remarks follow a nationwide crackdown on Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), which saw 31 people arrested, including six minors. The operation, known as Op Pedo Bersepadu, also led to the seizure of more than 880,000 digital CSAM and adult pornographic files in 37 raids across the country between September 22 and 30.
According to the 2022 report Disrupting Harm in Malaysia: Evidence on Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, at least 4% of Malaysian children who use the internet have been subjected to online sexual abuse. When extrapolated to the national population, this represents an estimated 100,000 children affected.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the government is committed to tackling offences involving online exploitation of children, particularly in light of the growing influence of social media.
