Child Act amendments may address peer grooming, says Nancy

PUTRAJAYA: Recommended adjustments to the Child Act 2001 may include legal measures aimed at dealing with children engaged in behavior that exceeds socially acceptable limits, including peer grooming, according to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. The issue is currently being examined by several government departments, including the Home Ministry.

Before introducing any new provisions, Nancy's ministry needs to assess current circumstances. The Child Act pertains to individuals under the age of 18, although certain actions by children have crossed the lines of normal childhood behavior. The ministry will evaluate this further to avoid placing children at risk of double jeopardy.

Nancy emphasized that the ministry will collaborate with other relevant departments to determine what can be integrated into the proposed amendments. Just recently, 53 individuals aged between 13 and 56 were apprehended during the nationwide Op Pedo Bersepadu PDRM-MCMC 3.0 operation conducted from September 14 to 16. Among those arrested, eight were children aged between 13 and 18.

The children were discovered producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in animated forms and subsequently selling it online. Nancy explained that the amendment process will be time-consuming as the ministry must consider recent events and emerging issues. She also stated that the ministry aims to ensure all relevant matters are thoroughly addressed to prevent the need for additional provisions later.

The ministry will incorporate any relevant input that is not currently covered by the existing laws.