{
  "id": 10634223,
  "title": "Enforcement, not new laws, key to tackling child grooming, says Suhakam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/enforcement-not-new-laws-key-to-tackling-child-grooming-says-suhakam",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T06:49:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1543746/enforcement-not-new-laws-key-tackling-child-grooming-says-suhakam"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's current legal framework is strong enough to tackle peer grooming and child sexual exploitation on social media, according to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam). Its Children's Commissioner, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Al Adib Samuri, says the existing laws cover various forms of sexual exploitation, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), sexual communication, grooming, and harassment. The key laws in place are the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and the Online Safety Act 2025, which hold social media platforms accountable for child safety online.\n\nHowever, Dr Samuri points out that there are challenges in implementing these laws effectively. These include the speed at which the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) removes harmful content, the ability of social media platforms to prevent adults from grooming children, and the police's capacity to track down perpetrators. He urges authorities to investigate child sexual exploitation more comprehensively, focusing on those who produce, distribute, and profit from the material rather than just arresting detected devices or account owners. Dr Samuri suggests a unified protocol for police, MCMC, and the Social Welfare Department to ensure criminal investigations and child protection measures proceed simultaneously. He also recommends a specialized protocol for cases involving children affected by CSAM, prioritizing their safety, rehabilitation, and psychological support over immediate prosecution.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's existing legal framework is sufficient to combat peer grooming and sexual exploitation of children on social media without requiring major amendments, but enforcement must be enhanced.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}