Malaysia

MCMC - police intensify crackdown on online child sexual exploitation

Over 1,500 offensive online materials involving children identified in first half of 2025, as authorities intensify enforcement and public awareness efforts

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 23 Jun 2025 4:28PM

MCMC - police intensify crackdown on online child sexual exploitation
‘Op Pedo’, conducted in December 2024, led to the arrest of 13 individuals and the seizure of over 40,000 items classified as child sexual abuse material (CSAM) - June 23, 2025

THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling online child sexual exploitation through sustained enforcement and nationwide awareness campaigns.

In a joint statement today, both authorities confirm that as of 15 June 2025, a total of 1,501 offensive online contents involving children were identified, with 94 percent – or 1,415 items – successfully taken down following collaboration between MCMC, digital platforms, and public reports.

Daily monitoring and targeted operations such as ‘Op Pedo’, conducted in December 2024, led to the arrest of 13 individuals and the seizure of over 40,000 items classified as child sexual abuse material (CSAM) across several states.

“Distributing, storing or commercialising child sexual exploitation content is a criminal offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” the joint statement said. “Upon conviction, offenders may face fines of up to RM1 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.”

Further offences related to the production, distribution, sale, purchase, sharing, access, or possession of child abuse material are also punishable under Sections 5 to 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

As part of a broader preventative strategy, MCMC continues to drive public education through the Safe Internet Campaign (Kempen Internet Selamat), with outreach focused on students, parents, and communities. A key objective of the campaign is to reinforce the age restriction on social media use, particularly discouraging account ownership by children aged 13 and below.

MCMC and PDRM jointly urged all stakeholders – including parents, educators, community leaders, platform owners, and internet users – to take a proactive role in protecting children online.

“Every public report aids investigation and helps prevent further harm,” the agencies said.

Suspicious online activity may be reported to MCMC via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]), through the portal [https://aduan.mcmc.gov.my](https://aduan.mcmc.gov.my), or directly at the nearest police station. - June 23, 2025

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