Govt rolls out three-year internet safety drive
THE Communications Ministry, in partnership with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), recently launched the Safe Internet Campaign.
This nationwide initiative aims to bolster public awareness and digital resilience in the face of growing online threats, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), cyberbullying, and online scams.
The campaign, which runs from this year to 2027, will target various segments of society, including children, teenagers, university students, educators, parents and senior citizens.
According to the ministry, the initiative is part of a long-term strategy to build a more secure and responsible digital ecosystem in Malaysia.
In recent years, Malaysian authorities have seen a spike in CSAM-related cases.
This growing threat has raised alarms not only among Malaysian authorities but also internationally.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has observed that Malaysia is facing trends similar to other countries, with offenders using increasingly sophisticated tools to commit and conceal their crimes.
"General trends in Malaysia are similar to those in other countries, where criminals are becoming more adept at using encryption to communicate, anonymising software to access websites, using cryptocurrency to purchase CSAM and virtual private networks to host criminal marketplaces trafficking in CSAM.
"These measures obscure the identities of these globally distributed criminals and make it more difficult for law enforcement to investigate," the agency told the New Straits Times.
INCLUSIVE APPROACH
The first phase of the campaign, set for rollout throughout this year, will involve more than 10,000 schools nationwide.
Specialised modules on internet safety will be introduced for children under 13 to lay a foundation for responsible digital use.
Educators and parents will also receive training and digital safety guides, enabling them to more effectively monitor and support young internet users.
Among the campaign's key engagements are interactive exhibitions, cybersecurity workshops and school-level competitions themed around ethical internet use.
The second phase, from 2026 to 2027, will focus on grassroots communities including Rukun Tetangga, village committees and non-governmental organisations.
This will ensure that marginalised and digitally vulnerable groups, particularly senior citizens, are not left behind.
URGENCY OF LEGAL ACTION
Under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, producing, distributing or possessing CSAM carries prison sentences of up to 30 years and caning.
The Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Section 233, provides MCMC with the authority to act against improper online content, including CSAM.
Recent high-profile investigations, including Operation Global, which led to the rescue of 625 victims and 415 arrests, underscore the severity of the issue.
Following the raids, RM580,000 in assets linked to a religious-linked syndicate accused of abuse and content distribution were frozen.
EVERYONE HAS A ROLE TO PLAY
Authorities stress that digital safety is a shared responsibility.
Parents are encouraged to have open conversations with children about online conduct. Schools must incorporate internet literacy into the curriculum, while platform providers and ISPs are expected to respond swiftly to takedown requests.
The campaign also promotes the practice of "Verify Before You Share", urging students to avoid spreading unverified content — a move that supports broader efforts to counter misinformation and harmful material.
As Malaysia moves forward with its national digital transformation, safeguarding children and vulnerable users must remain a shared priority, both online and offline.
The Safe Internet Campaign sets a strong precedent for how Malaysia can address CSAM and digital threats. But success will depend on public vigilance, education and a willingness to act decisively against those who prey on the vulnerable.
The public can report suspected CSAM activity through the MCMC complaint portal at aduan.mcmc.gov.my, Cyber999 at cyber999@cybersecurity.my, or any police station.
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