PARENTS in Malaysia may soon be legally obliged to monitor their children's online activities under proposed reforms designed to curb child abuse and neglect in the digital sphere.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the government is in the process of reviewing existing legal provisions to introduce clear obligations for parents and guardians. These may include compulsory attendance in digital safety education programmes.
She stated the reforms are in line with national efforts to safeguard children from sexual crimes in an increasingly technology-driven environment.
"In the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal system, I represented Malaysia at the Tashkent Law Spring International Legal Forum in Uzbekistan," she said in a statement.
"This prestigious forum is an important platform for Malaysia to demonstrate its commitment in addressing global legal challenges, particularly those related to the protection of children in the digital age on the international stage."
Delivering her keynote address, Azalina outlined numerous legislative initiatives already undertaken by Malaysia, highlighting the urgency of adapting child protection frameworks to meet the challenges posed by modern technologies.
She stressed that while advancements such as artificial intelligence bring significant benefits, they also open up new avenues for the exploitation of children online.
"So, I called on the international legal community to shoulder a shared moral responsibility to ensure that those involved in crimes against children are brought to justice without exception.
"The digital future must not only be smarter but also safer, more humane and fair to all levels of society, especially children," News Straits Times cited her saying.
Azalina also used the visit to deepen Malaysia’s international legal ties. She held bilateral talks with Qatar’s Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, to advance cooperation on justice reform and human rights.
In addition, she met with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Justice, Akbar Tashkulov, to formalise a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement includes collaboration on judicial capacity-building, legal reform initiatives, and the exchange of legal expertise. - June 2, 2025
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