Kuala lumpur: The National Child Policy 2026-2030 places special emphasis on digital safety to address risks of online sexual exploitation involving children. Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying said the policy, launched on Nov 24 last year, focuses on advocacy, prevention, intervention, and support services to strengthen online child protection.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new National Child Policy and Action Plan also addresses emerging challenges faced by children in the digital environment, particularly cyber-related issues, by incorporating elements of the earlier Child Protection Action Plan in Cyberspace. Lim emphasized that cyber risks and exploitation, especially online sexual exploitation, have been identified as issues requiring specific and focused approaches during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

She was responding to a supplementary question from Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun) on how existing policies address current issues, including cyberbullying and online sexual exploitation involving children. Meanwhile, Lim mentioned that Malaysia 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 (CRC) in Geneva on Jan 22 and 23.

She highlighted that issues raised included ensuring equitable access to education, strengthening protection mechanisms, and addressing risks in the digital environment. Replying to another question from Abd Ghani on enforcement monitoring of child abuse cases, Lim noted that the ministry, through the Social Welfare Department (JKM), conducts inspections at least twice a year, along with surprise checks on unregistered premises.

Additionally, she stated that a Taska Task Force has been established to coordinate the classification and registration of childcare centres nationwide to reduce risks of abuse and neglect.