MCMC backs police crackdown as Op Pedo nets 53 suspects, eight of them teens

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to combat the misuse of network services for online child sexual exploitation. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the significant role MCMC plays in assisting PDRM, particularly the D11 Division of CID, in tracking down and apprehending those who exploit network services, especially those targeting children and women.

The collaboration involves technical and forensic aspects to aid PDRM in investigating online child sexual exploitation activities. During the recent Op Pedo Integrated 3.0 operation conducted from September 14 to 16, 53 suspects were arrested, including eight teenagers, some as young as 13 years old. The suspects were detained following intelligence gathered by CID’s D11 unit in collaboration with MCMC, with police uncovering activities related to the production, distribution, and sale of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through closed online groups.

Fahmi highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of social media platforms through the legal framework of the Online Safety Act, which restricts the creation of social media accounts for individuals under the age of 16. The Communications Ministry also honored 157 retirees and soon-to-retire employees at an appreciation ceremony, with Fahmi expressing his appreciation for their valuable insights in improving government services.