Bill seeks to extend jurisdiction over child sex offences committed abroad, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed amendment to the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792) seeks to ensure that Malaysia does not face jurisdictional constraints in taking action against perpetrators of child sexual crimes, even if the offences are committed abroad.

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said the move is in line with efforts to strengthen protection for children against cross-border sexual crimes, while ensuring the Act remains relevant amid the evolving nature of sexual offences.

“The government is of the view that protection should not cease simply because the offence was committed overseas or the perpetrator falls beyond Malaysia’s jurisdiction,” she said when tabling the Sexual Offences Against Children (Amendment) Bill 2026 for second reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.

In this regard, Azalina said the bill proposes an amendment to Section 3 of Act 792 to expand its extraterritorial jurisdiction.

She said that under existing provisions, Section 3 applies only to offences committed abroad by Malaysian citizens, but the amendment seeks to extend its scope to permanent residents and individuals who ordinarily reside in Malaysia.

“At the same time, protection is also extended to children who are Malaysian citizens, permanent residents, or ordinarily reside in Malaysia,” she said.

Azalina said data from the Internet Watch Foundation, reported in 2025, showed that 16,238 reports of child sexual abuse material involving Malaysian children were recorded in 2024, an increase of more than 225% compared with the previous year.

“In the first six months of 2025 alone, 12,656 reports were recorded. These figures show that the threat to children is no longer confined to physical spaces, but is increasingly growing in the digital environment and across borders,” she said.

She added that sexual crimes against children are becoming increasingly complex, involving the use of closed platforms, encryption technology, false identities and cross-border operations, making detection and prosecution more difficult.

“This amendment sends a clear message that Malaysia will not compromise on any form of sexual exploitation against children.

“Children do not choose to be victims. Therefore, it is our shared responsibility to ensure they are always protected through strict, modern and effective laws,” she said.