DPM Zahid: Govt to roll out multi-ministry blitz to tackle 53pc surge in child sexual crimes
Deputy Prime Minister and National Social Council (MSN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said it will involve the Home Ministry, Royal Malaysia Police, Youth and Sports Ministry, and Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to tackle the issue comprehensively, firmly and effectively.
'Statistics show that cases of sexual crimes against children rose from 2,541 in 2020 to 3,892 in 2024.
'The number of victims also increased from 2,561 to 3,988 over the same period, a jump of 55.7 per cent,' he said in a statement after chairing the MSN Meeting No. 2/2025 here today.
Ahmad Zahid said technological advancements and the industrial revolution have led to increasingly sophisticated criminal modus operandi, including the use of deepfake technology and digital identity theft.
Other planned measures include organising the 'Child Protection: Addressing Cyber Threats and Sexual Crimes' seminar in November.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the National Social Policy 2030 and the development of the 2026-2030 Action Plan, which is in its final phase and will be presented to the Cabinet in October.
Ahmad Zahid said the issue of homeless individuals with mental disorders who have not received treatment due to the lack of special placement facilities was also raised.
'The council supports the Health Ministry's initiative to set up a task force to establish a psychiatric nursing care home,' he said.
The meeting also discussed the proposed formation of a special committee on Islamic preschool education to coordinate matters related to registration, safety, health, as well as curriculum and teaching staff strategies.
In addition, the meeting examined the issue of skills mismatch among graduates, with Department of Statistics data showing that 2.06 million graduates are currently working in sectors not commensurate with their qualifications.
'To address this strategically, the MyMAHIR initiative, led by the Human Resource Ministry and TalentCorp, has been launched.
'To date, 66 industry-driven training programmes have been approved under the MyMAHIR Future Skills Talent Council, covering high-impact sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data analytics and the green economy.
'These programmes not only provide high-skilled training but also come with job guarantees, offering an average starting salary of RM3,000 to RM6,000 per month,' he said.
Ahmad Zahid said that starting this year, MSN membership has been expanded to include the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, and the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) to strengthen policy implementation impact. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
21 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Kompleks Satria Pertiwi opens as Sarawak premier's grand new official base
KUCHING, Aug 5 — Sarawak has created another new landmark following the opening of the Sarawak Premier's official office complex, named Kompleks Satria Pertiwi, in a symbolic ceremony held at the building's grounds last night. What made it an even sweeter moment is that the ceremony, officiated by Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, coincided with the 75th birthday of Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, thus making the occasion truly meaningful in the state's administrative landscape. Located opposite the Sarawak State Library (Pustaka), Kompleks Satria Pertiwi comprises three major components, namely the Main Office Building, the Premier's Official Residence, and a Multipurpose Hall. The Main Office houses the Sarawak Premier's office and related administration units, while the official residence is used to receive dignitaries and for small-scale official events. The Multipurpose Hall, meanwhile, is the main space for large-scale events and for use by complex staff. Architecturally, the white complex features neoclassical and colonial styles, thus reflecting the state's historical heritage and the unity of its multi-racial and multi-cultural population. The Sarawak Premier's office had operated from Wisma Bapa Malaysia since its establishment in 1976, before moving to this new complex that is more modern, strategic and with a distinct identity. The opening ceremony was also witnessed by deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; state Cabinet ministers and and heads of departments. The ceremony was also enlivened with a colourful light display, symbolic plaque-signing ceremony, and a tour of the rooms within the administration complex. — Bernama
Malay Mail
21 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
‘Cheap entertainment': MCMC probes video of youths giving bones to homeless man
CYBERJAYA, Aug 5 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched an investigation into a video widely shared on social media that shows a group of individuals handing leftover food to a homeless man. In a press statement, MCMC said the probe was initiated following public complaints that the content was exploitative and demeaned the dignity of marginalised individuals. 'MCMC views seriously the act of producing and spreading content that exploits marginalised groups purely for cheap entertainment, generating views, and causing public unease,' the commission said. The regulator added that the investigation is being carried out under existing laws, and that firm action will be taken against any parties found guilty. It also reminded the public not to upload or share provocative content that could disrupt public order, warning that the dissemination of offensive, false or threatening material could result in a fine of up to RM500,000, a maximum of two years' imprisonment, or both. 'MCMC remains committed and firm in ensuring that cyberspace is not misused,' it said. A video circulated online recently showed three young men placing chicken bones in a rice packet and handing it to a homeless man, before later feeding actual chicken to a dog. The trio have since posted multiple apology videos, claiming the clip was scripted and that the man was later given a full meal off-camera.
Malay Mail
21 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Thailand, Cambodia want Malaysia to stay in peace talks role even after Asean chair ends
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 — Thailand and Cambodia have asked Malaysia to keep mediating their ongoing border conflict, even after Malaysia's term as Asean chair ends next year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat today. He said Putrajaya would continue acting as a mediator until the dispute is fully resolved. 'This responsibility is not limited to our position as Asean Chair. Both countries have requested that Malaysia continue its role until a resolution is achieved,' Anwar said. 'Initially, we targeted a resolution within three months. However, in any negotiation, timelines cannot be strictly fixed. What's important is ensuring progress is made through ceasefires and a genuine commitment towards resolution,' he added. Anwar also stressed the importance of maintaining Asean centrality in managing regional disputes, warning against the direct involvement of major powers. He said any future monitoring or peacekeeping presence at the border should comprise representatives from Asean member states only. 'We want to avoid the direct involvement of major powers. These negotiations must remain an Asean initiative,' he said. He added that external logistical support from countries such as the United States or China may be accepted — but only if offered neutrally and without political interference. Anwar also urged all parties to refrain from provocations that could derail the ongoing peace efforts.
