DIGITAL safety has been identified as a core priority under the National Child Policy 2026–2030, with a particular focus on addressing the growing risk of online sexual exploitation involving children.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying said the policy, which was launched on Nov 24 last year, is built around advocacy, prevention, intervention and support services to strengthen the protection of children in the online space.
She said the new National Child Policy and its accompanying Action Plan also take into account emerging challenges faced by children in the digital environment, especially cyber-related threats, by incorporating elements from the earlier Child Protection Action Plan in Cyberspace.
“This shows that cyber risks and exploitation, especially online sexual exploitation, have been identified as issues requiring specific and focused approaches,” she said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Lim was responding to a supplementary question from Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN–Jerlun) on how existing policies address current issues such as cyberbullying and online sexual exploitation involving children.
She also informed the House that Malaysia had recently presented progress on its commitments to children’s rights during a constructive dialogue with the Committee on the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Geneva on Jan 22 and 23.
According to Lim, issues raised during the session included equitable access to education, strengthening child protection mechanisms and managing risks in the digital environment.
In reply to another question from Abd Ghani on enforcement and monitoring of child abuse cases, Lim said her ministry, through the Social Welfare Department, conducts inspections at least twice a year, in addition to surprise checks on unregistered premises.
She added that a Taska Task Force has been established to coordinate the classification and registration of childcare centres nationwide, a move aimed at reducing the risks of abuse and neglect involving young children. - February 10, 2026
