Malaysia

Ministry strengthens child protection and online safety through new regulatory measures

Children are increasingly exposed to various online risks including sexual exploitation, scams, cyber harassment, and exposure to inappropriate or harmful content

Updated 8 months ago · Published on 15 Dec 2025 5:51PM

Ministry strengthens child protection and online safety through new regulatory measures
Joint action ensures preventive, early detection, and protective measures are carried out effectively and sustainably - December 15, 2025

THE Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has pledged to continue implementing and enhancing comprehensive child protection initiatives, including online safety awareness programmes and the enforcement of relevant legislation.

KPWKM Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukrisaid the ministry would maintain strategic and integrated collaborations with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and other relevant agencies to ensure preventive, early detection, and protective measures are carried out effectively and sustainably.

“The strengthening of regulatory measures is highly significant in the context of child protection, as children are increasingly exposed to various online risks including sexual exploitation, scams, cyber harassment, and exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.

“A safer digital environment not only safeguards the well-being of children, but also gives parents and families the confidence to guide responsible use of technology,” she said in a statement today.

Earlier, the MCMC announced that all internet messaging and social media service providers with eight million or more users in Malaysia will automatically be considered registered holders of the Application Service Provider Class License [ASP(C)] starting 1 January 2026, under the Deeming Provision pursuant to Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

MCMC explained that the Deeming Provision aims to ensure that all relevant platforms carry clearer responsibilities regarding user safety, particularly in protecting children and families.

Nancy emphasised that child protection is a shared responsibility and encouraged the public to report any concerns or cases related to the safety of children and families so that immediate action can be taken.

Reports can be submitted via Talian Kasih 15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999, which operate 24 hours to ensure assistance and protection are delivered without delay.

“The effort to strengthen digital safety requires awareness, collaboration, and ongoing commitment from all parties to ensure that children can grow up in a safe, secure, and protected environment, in line with the government’s goal of safeguarding the welfare of families and communities as a whole,” she added.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Education (KPM) also welcomed MCMC’s introduction of the Deeming Provision, highlighting that it ensures large-scale service providers offering internet messaging and social media services in Malaysia operate within the country’s legal and regulatory framework in a consistent and effective manner.

“Within the education sector, this new initiative can enhance the safety of students and the entire education community against cyber threats such as sexual exploitation, scams, and misuse of digital platforms.

“KPM will increase collaboration with all stakeholders, including MCMC and PDRM, to ensure that digital safety measures among students and education personnel are continuously strengthened,” the ministry said. - December 15, 2025

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