WANITA MCA said it is preposterous for individuals involved in child pornography to claim that they were unaware that possessing, storing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is a crime.
Calling the disregard for the wellbeing of children “shocking”, its secretary-general Chan Quin Er said it is essential for the public to understand that all forms of pornography, especially child pornography, are illegal.
“Ignorance is not a valid defence, and child pornography is undeniably a heinous crime with severe legal consequences,” she stressed.
Chan said this in response to a news report on Sunday (Dec 29) that most of the individuals arrested during Op Pedo on Dec 23 had claimed ignorance that it is a crime to possess, store and distribute CSAM material.
According to Chan, individuals claiming ignorance is an indication of the need for stronger public awareness campaigns.
“While the collaboration between the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in Op Pedo are laudable, more efforts should be made by the police and government ministries and agencies to remind the public that all forms of pornography, especially child pornography, sexual offences against minors and incest are not only illegal but also profoundly harmful to society,” she stated.
“Regular public service announcements should focus on the legal, moral, and psychological consequences of these crimes.”
Chan went on to note that the rise in cases of child sexual abuse is often linked to the lack of supervision, particularly in families where both parents work.
She said the increasing use of social media also provides new opportunities for offenders to exploit children, adding that this underlines the need for greater vigilance, stricter regulation of online spaces, and targeted awareness campaigns.
According to the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, 6,462 cases were reported between 2020 and 2024, with the number increasing each year.
In 2023 alone, 1,729 cases were reported. These figures represent only the reported incidents, and the actual number is likely much higher.
“This growing trend makes it even more urgent to implement stronger measures to prevent child sexual abuse and educate the public about the dangers of child pornography,” Chan said.
“Wanita MCA therefore reiterates our call for a comprehensive and accessible Public Sex Offenders Registry in Malaysia.
“The society has a right to be informed about convicted sex assailants and child groomers, who present a clear and ongoing danger.”
On Dec 23, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said that 13 men were arrested in six states on suspicion of committing online sexual offences involving CSAM.
He said the suspects, aged between 20 and 74, were arrested at 18 locations in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor, Perak and Terengganu. – Dec 30, 2024
Main image: The Star
