Latest news with #MalaysianCyberConsumerAssociation
Sinar Daily
17-06-2025
- Sinar Daily
Dark corners of the web: How CSAM is putting children at risk
SHAH ALAM – The ever-advancing digital world has created new opportunities for learning and connection, but it has also created vast new risks for children, including the disturbing circulation of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). CSAM refers to any form of content — images, videos, illustrations, or digitally manipulated visuals — that depicts the sexual abuse of children. These materials are now being generated and spread with alarming sophistication, including through artificial intelligence (AI) and digitally manipulated images. According to Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil, the CSAM threat is no longer confined to dark, hidden corners of the web — it has infiltrated everyday digital spaces including gaming apps and social media. 'CSAM is not a foreign issue. It happens here, inside the phones and computers of our children. Society's silence only gives predators more room to operate,' Siraj said. He stressed that those who possess, distribute or create CSAM can face severe legal consequences, including up to 30 years' imprisonment under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. Meanwhile, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 outlines penalties for distributing immoral content, including a RM50,000 fine or up to a year in prison. Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president, Siraj Jalil A key tactic used by online predators is grooming — where trust is gradually built with a child before abuse is perpetrated. 'There have been cases where primary school pupils were contacted through online games and asked to send indecent photos. Without parental supervision, these crimes can easily happen,' he warned. Siraj urged early exposure to digital safety for children stressing, 'Our children must be digitally literate and able to distinguish between safe and dangerous situations.' Parental Involvement Still Lacking Former SK Serting Ilir Parent-Teacher-Association (PIBG) president, Nurulazma Shafiqah Khairul Azhar, added that many parents still think the threat of CSAM happens only in foreign countries or through abduction. Former SK Serting Ilir Parent-Teacher-Association (PIBG) president, Nurulazma Shafiqah Khairul Azhar 'In reality, it can happen right in their own homes. Once a child uploads a photo on social media without supervision, the risk already exists,' she said. Nurulazma observed that digital safety issues are rarely discussed at PIBG meetings, which often focus more on academics or discipline. As a solution, she proposed that schools and PIBGs form Digital Safety Units to establish guidelines and awareness campaigns. 'Teachers also need training to identify signs of digital exploitation among pupils,' she said, while also urging government efforts to be 'straightforward and accessible' to ensure that the message of digital safety reaches all layers of society. CSAM Leads to Trauma Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) senior lecturer, Dr Nurhafizah Mohd Sukor, emphasised that exposure to CSAM causes deep emotional trauma, both in the short and long term. 'Children may feel ashamed, afraid, panicked and lose trust in others. If left untreated, these emotional wounds can persist into adulthood,' she explained. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) senior lecturer, Dr Nurhafizah Mohd Sukor Common warning signs include behavioural changes, sleep disturbances, withdrawal from social activities, and even irritability. Victims might also panic when encountering elements that resemble their abuser's actions. 'In the long run, these emotional scars can result in trauma where children experience flashbacks of the abuser's behaviour,' she warned. Dr Nurhafizah strongly advised that parents maintain open communication, provide emotional support, and seek professional help if trauma symptoms emerge in their children. Understanding the Hidden Landscape of CSAM Further elaborating on the disturbing reality of CSAM, criminologist and senior lecturer Shankar Durairaja from the School of Criminal Justice & Psychology, Enforcement, Leadership, and Management University (ELMU) explained that CSAM has evolved beyond traditional forms. 'CSAM includes images, videos, texts and drawings. It can also extend to animations, CGI, AI-generated content and comics, depending on the type of representation and the legal definitions within a jurisdiction. The most common forms of CSAM are images and videos,' he said. 'Perpetrators distribute such materials mainly online via the internet, using platforms such as social media, online forums, streaming services, encrypted emails, secure file transfer systems, the dark web, gaming platforms, or offline means such as USB drives, CDs, DVDs and memory cards.' He also highlighted that offenders increasingly use encryption techniques and anonymous networks to conceal their identities, accumulated collections, CSAM activities, and communication with minors. Who Are the Most Vulnerable Children? Children from dysfunctional families, or those experiencing emotional neglect, trauma, or financial hardship, are at greater risk of being targeted, according to Shankar. 'A dysfunctional family environment can lead to children not receiving enough attention and care at home, leading them to seek affection, validation and connection from outsiders, particularly through online platforms,' he said. Children desperate for attention, or those enticed by false promises of financial rewards, often fall prey to predators. 'In some cases, perpetrators lure these children with false promises of money or gifts in return for explicit content, only to deceive or manipulate them later,' he added. Shankar observed a rising and worrying trend of high-risk online behaviours among children, including sending inappropriate messages and flashing. 'This behaviour is evidence of children's low digital literacy,' he said, calling for immediate intervention in educating both parents and children on online dangers. Once a child uploads a photo on social media without supervision, the risk already exists. Photo: Canva Strengthening Laws and Enforcement On the legal front, Shankar pointed to the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which criminalises the making, production, distribution, or possession of CSAM under Sections 4, 5, and 6. The Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998, meanwhile, enables the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to enforce penalties on those who distribute obscene material online. 'At the moment, the government has revised the CMA Act and introduced an Online Safety Act to protect children not only from CSAM but from all inappropriate content,' he said. The Emotional Fallout: Families in Crisis The psychological impact of CSAM is devastating for both victims and their families. 'Victims of CSAM can experience chronic trauma that can lead to severe mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety and depression. These psychological effects not only disrupt the victim's life but also have a profound impact on the family,' said Shankar. Many victims suffer from self-blame and guilt, potentially leading to self-harm or even suicidal thoughts. 'Feelings of humiliation, fear and shame can lead to public stigmatisation or cause victims to isolate themselves from family and society,' he warned. The families of victims may experience emotional stress, anger, guilt, fear and helplessness. In some extreme cases, they may even relocate to protect the child's privacy, leading to financial strain. A common tactic used by predators is 'grooming', where trust is gradually built before the act of child exploitation. Building a National Defence: The Safe Internet Campaign (KIS) To reinforce preventive measures, the government has introduced the Safe Internet Campaign (Kempen Internet Selamat, KIS), spearheaded by the Communications Ministry and the MCMC. KIS targets primary school children, university students, teachers, parents, senior citizens, and grassroots communities through talks, exhibitions, training, and interactive competitions. Its mission is to cultivate digital responsibility from an early age while empowering adults to guide children in navigating the online world. Among its flagship initiatives are the Interactive Internet Safety Module tailored for children under 13, special guides for teachers and parents, and creative competitions such as Choral Speaking and Menu Viral under the theme 'Semak Sebelum Sebar' (Verify Before Sharing). 'The campaign is being carried out in two phases from January 2025 until 2027, involving over 10,000 schools, universities, communities and Digital Economy Centres (NADI) nationwide,' Siraj shared. Core modules include lessons on digital literacy, recognising social media dangers, and understanding platform age restrictions. KIS also seeks to foster a safer digital ecosystem through close collaboration with schools, parent groups, NGOs, and grassroots communities. Siraj reminded that while government efforts are ramping up, community responsibility is equally critical. 'Ultimately, parents and caregivers are the frontline defenders. They must not ignore suspicious online behaviour involving children. Silence is complicity,' he stressed. The Way Forward: A Nationwide Commitment to Protection For Shankar, combating CSAM requires a four-pronged commitment: Strategic Law Enforcement 'Law enforcement must employ advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, computer vision, and hash algorithms to detect and stop CSAM distribution,' he said. Ongoing Education Prevention should begin in kindergarten and continue throughout a child's school life, focusing on digital literacy, safe internet practices, recognising grooming, and building digital resilience. Industry Engagement Companies involved in digital platforms must be held transparent and accountable. 'They must not hide behind false claims that they are acting in the best interests of millions of children,' Shankar stressed. Legislative Reforms New or revised laws should be constantly introduced to ensure adaptability in the face of evolving online threats. Ultimately, while initiatives like the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS) are commendable, protecting children from CSAM demands a nationwide commitment from law enforcement to classrooms, from regulators to parents at home.
Sinar Daily
16-06-2025
- Sinar Daily
Children at risk as digital threats rise with CSAM
SHAH ALAM – The ever-advancing digital world has created vast new risks for children, including the circulation of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). CSAM can be referred to any form of content, images, videos, illustrations, or digitally manipulated visuals, that depict the sexual abuse of children. According to Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil, the CSAM threat is now considerably more hidden and difficult to detect, as it spreads through various means including social media, gaming apps and covert platforms like the dark web. Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president, Siraj Jalil 'CSAM is not a foreign issue. It happens here, inside the phones and computers of our children. Society's silence only gives predators more room to operate,' he told Sinar. He further stated that those who possess, distribute or create CSAM can face severe legal consequences, including up to 30 years' imprisonment under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. Additionally, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 outlines penalties for distributing immoral content, including a RM50,000 fine or up to a year in prison. Notably, a common tactic used by predators is 'grooming', where trust is gradually built before the act of child exploitation. 'There have been cases where primary school pupils were contacted through online games and asked to send indecent photos. Without parental supervision, these crimes can easily happen. 'Early exposure to digital safety issues like CSAM is critical. Our children must be digitally literate and able to distinguish between safe and dangerous situations,' Siraj said. Thus, he urged parents, teachers and the community to report any suspicious behaviour to authorities or through platforms such as To reinforce this, the government launched the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS), an initiative spearheaded by the Communications Ministry and MCMC. KIS targets primary school children, university students, teachers, parents, senior citizens and the Madani community through talks, exhibitions, training and interactive competitions. He said that the campaign's main activities include the Interactive Internet Safety Module for children under 13, special guides for teachers and parents, and competitions like Choral Speaking and Menu Viral with the theme 'Semak Sebelum Sebar' (Verify Before Sharing). 'The campaign is being carried out in two phases from January 2025 until 2027, involving over 10,000 schools, universities, communities and Digital Economy Centres (NADI) nationwide. 'Key modules highlighted include digital literacy, social media dangers and platform age restrictions. 'KIS also aims to foster a safer digital ecosystem through collaboration with various stakeholders including teachers, parents, NGOs, and grassroots communities,' Siraj added. Alternatively, he reminded the public not to ignore their role and to take all suspicious behaviour involving children seriously. Parents remain unaware Former SK Serting Ilir PTA president Nurulazma Shafiqah Khairul Azhar, pointed out that many parents are unaware of this threat and believe it only occurs through abduction or in foreign countries. Former SK Serting Ilir PTA president, Nurulazma Shafiqah Khairul Azhar 'In reality, it can happen right in their own homes. Once a child uploads a photo on social media without supervision, the risk already exists,' she said. She noted that digital safety issues are rarely discussed at PTA meetings, which typically focus more on academics or discipline. As such, she proposed that schools and PTAs establish Digital Safety Units to draft guidelines and organise awareness campaigns for parents and students. 'Teachers also need training to identify signs of digital exploitation among pupils,' she said. She added further that government efforts must be supported with straightforward, accessible approaches to ensure the message of digital safety reaches all layers of society. CSAM leads to trauma Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) senior lecturer Dr Nurhafizah Mohd Sukor clarified that exposure to CSAM can cause deep emotional trauma both in the short and long term. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) senior lecturer, Dr Nurhafizah Mohd Sukor 'Children may feel ashamed, afraid, panicked and lose trust in others. If left untreated, these emotional wounds can persist into adulthood. 'Warning signs include behavioural changes, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, becoming withdrawn or increased irritability,' she said. Additionally, she noted that victims may panic when encountering elements resembling the abuser's actions or visuals. 'In the long run, these emotional scars can result in trauma where children experience flashbacks of the abuser's behaviour,' she warned. Ultimately, it is advised for parents to provide emotional support, maintain open communication, and seek professional help if their child exhibits trauma symptoms.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘Step up digital safety education'
JOHOR BARU: As artificial intelligence (AI) scams get more sophisticated, a cyber expert says it is time for cybersecurity and digital safety education in schools. Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj J alil (pic) said the government cannot afford to depend on short-term fixes to address the worsening situation. 'We have already amended outdated laws, such as the Communications and Multi-media Act. 'The Cybercrime Bill will be tabled in October and the Cyber Security Act was passed last year. 'We can no longer find short-term solutions. The Education Ministry must step up and introduce proper digital safety education in schools,' he said when contacted. Siraj said while awareness campaigns by Bank Negara and the authorities are important, they are not enough. 'There is a rush to raise awareness which is a good thing, but awareness alone will not protect us. We are still seeing dozens of scam cases every day,' he pointed out. Siraj said rapid development of AI technology makes it even more important for the authorities to act. 'Even criminals can now easily create their own language models, making it even harder to track them down,' he added. Siraj said the Digital Education Policy introduced in 2023 lacks the fundamental pillars of cybersecurity and safety. He suggested that the Education Ministry adopt the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (Unesco) Digital Literacy Framework, which includes safety and well-being as key pillars. 'If you teach digital safety properly, students will spread the word and this will be a great way to build awareness,' he added.
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Is soc-med becoming increasingly distasteful?
Experts believe that more and more Internet users today are growing tired and fed up with their recycled and low-quality content, cheap dramas and increasingly unreasonable algorithms. — Bernama photo GETTING bored with scrolling through social media every day? It might sound a little illogical, considering the huge popularity of social media platforms. Experts, however, believe that more and more Internet users today are growing tired and fed up with their recycled and low-quality content, cheap dramas and increasingly unreasonable algorithms. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X, which were once seen as spaces for interaction, knowledge-sharing and community-building, now seem to be losing their original purpose. Many users find themselves trapped in unhealthy usage patterns like 'doomscrolling' (spending an excessive amount of time reading news, particularly negative news, on the web) and making unrealistic social comparisons, all of which can affect mental health. Looking at this trend, are Internet users reaching a turning point in their relationship with digital technology? And do they need to 'mute' and 'unfollow' social media for a specific period to rethink the true role of these platforms in their everyday life? Declining values According to Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association president Siraj Jalil, the growing negative perception of social media is caused by several factors, including the existence of fake and 'rolling' accounts that exploit the platforms to spread slander and orchestrated propaganda, as well as for racial incitement and emotionally-charged provocations that escalate into polemics. He also says the flood of offensive, sexual and immoral content is contributing to a decline in values in society. 'The rapid generation of content enabled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) such as deepfake videos, fake voices and manipulated images, which are being disseminated without any control, confuses users and damages the reputation of individuals or organisations. 'One example is the circulation of AI-generated content in the form of political satire implicating specific figures. Such false narratives can result in public confusion and backlash if there's no prompt clarification from the affected parties. 'Social media has also become a space for normalising the culture of publicly shaming others under the guise of 'content' and 'trends'. 'Even worse, it has become a weapon for 'cybertroopers' to assassinate the characters of their opponents,' he tells Bernama , adding that insults and profanity bombarding social media are affecting cyber-users. Siraj Jalil — Bernama photo Citing the Digital Malaysia 2025 report, Siraj says Malaysians now spend an average of eight hours and 13 minutes online daily, and two hours and 46 minutes on social media. 'When users are exposed for too long to provocative, toxic and emotionally-charged content, it leads to emotional exhaustion, loss of motivation and mental imbalance,' he says, describing the situation as a clear manifestation of 'digital fatigue'. Pointing to the #BlockOut2024 case targetting several popular local celebrities for not voicing out their stance on the Palestine issue, Siraj says the situation has created immense pressure, causing not only those celebrities but also some cyber-users to disable their comment sections and temporarily withdraw from social media. 'Users are not only tired of toxic content, but also finding it difficult to distinguish between real and fabricated, especially when AI starts generating false narratives that are difficult to filter and continuously serves content related to certain issues.' Siraj adds that the perception of growing distaste toward social media is a collective reflection of the decline in the quality of today's digital interactions. He observes that the various platforms are no longer a space for healthy discourse but rather 'a noisy chamber' filled with insults, personal attacks and a culture of reckless judgment, making many users feel uncomfortable, exhausted and disappointed. 'This phenomenon can be related to the 'Spiral of Silence Theory' by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, introduced in 1974. 'It explains that individuals tend to remain silent when they feel their views contradict the dominant voice, out of fear of being ostracised or criticised, or being accused of creating conflict. 'The rational and polite minority voices are often sidelined, while loud and toxic voices become dominant, making social media increasingly nauseating. 'This perception of distaste is a valid reaction to an environment that is becoming increasingly unbalanced and psychologically suffocating.' When users are exposed for too long to provocative, toxic and emotionally-charged content, it leads to emotional exhaustion, loss of motivation and mental imbalance – a situation described as a clear manifestation of 'digital fatigue'. — Bernama photo 'Cancel culture' Commenting on cancel culture – a practice of withdrawing support for, or boycotting, an individual or organisation after they have said or done something perceived as wrong – Siraj says in the Malaysian context, it often occurs through collective and irrational emotional reactions by social media users. He cites the example of an influencer, who received overwhelming backlash recently just for replying 'noted' to health advice from a medical expert on the platform 'X'. 'Even though there was no element of insult, the influencer was 'punished' as if they had done something disrespectful. 'Another example involves a male actor who was heavily criticised and labelled a 'red flag' after allegations about his marriage surfaced from his ex-wife, even though there was no legal decision. 'Today's cancel culture contributes to the distasteful environment because it erases the space for correction and is, therefore, unfair. 'Things become worse when the culture is fuelled by fake accounts and AI-generated content that reduces the victim into a source of ridicule,' says Siraj, adding that cancel culture is visible almost daily across various social media platforms. Referring to a recent case where an individual posted an irresponsible comment on Astro Awani's Facebook page during the state funeral of former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Siraj says it clearly shows how social media is losing its moral and ethical boundaries. He says although such offensive posts are linked to a small group of users, especially those using fake accounts, the impact on public sentiment is significant. 'When such offensive comments go unchecked, social media becomes a dark space filled with insults and anger, no longer a place for dialogue and unity,' he points out, adding that the time has come for the country to raise the digital literacy agenda as a long-term national education policy. 'This is the real investment to produce citizens who are not only tech-savvy, but also mature and respectful in the digital world.' Impact on mental health In sharing his views on the impact of social media on mental health, Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Muhsin Ahmad Zahari, a senior consultant psychiatrist and head of the Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at Universiti Malaya (UM), says excessive use of social media has a significant impact on all age groups. For children, early and excessive exposure can interfere with the normal development of their personality, reduce face-to-face interaction and hinder the development of social skills such as greeting others, or responding appropriately in certain situations. It also increases exposure to inappropriate content that can negatively influence their social and personal development. 'Social media also carries risks of (exposing young users to) cyber-bullying and violent content that can disrupt healthy development. These risks may lead to mental health issues such as post-traumatic disorder and anxiety. 'Excessive use can cause addiction, not only in children but also in teenagers and adults. This is evident when individuals become anxious and emotionally disturbed when they are unable to access the Internet or social media.' Dr Muhammad Muhsin says social media also carries risks of exposing young users to cyberbullying and violent content that can disrupt healthy development. — Bernama photo Dr Muhammad Muhsin says from a mental health perspective, excessive use of social media, or playing online games for long hours, is associated with low self-esteem and social phobia or social anxiety as the individuals concerned are more comfortable with virtual interaction than real-life interaction. 'If these issues are not identified and addressed early, they can develop into more serious mental disorders. 'There are also cases where individuals express suicidal tendencies through social media, which can lead to real consequences if not intervened at the right time.' The psychiatrist also links digital fatigue to excessive exposure to social media, which causes mental, emotional and physical exhaustion. The symptoms of physical exhaustion include eye strain, headaches, neck and back pain, and sleep disturbances. Emotionally, individuals may become overly sensitive, anxious and emotionally unstable, while cognitive disruptions may include difficulty focusing (mental fog) and memory problems. Addressing the issue of pressure to appear perfect on social media, Dr Muhammad Muhsin says many users find themselves trapped in the pursuit of self-validation and social approval. 'In reality, in many situations, what is shown on social media is far from perfect or ideal. Often it's just for show and to deceive the viewers. 'We need to be aware that self-editing and the use of AI can present an ideal image on social media, but the opposite is the reality. 'Don't be fooled by this, and more importantly, don't compare yourself with others in any situation. 'There are cases where individuals spend more than they can afford just to appear attractive and end up burdening themselves. 'Constantly seeking approval from others can lead to anxiety, depression and reduced self-confidence, especially in a negative environment. 'There are people who develop depressive tendencies due to overspending, while others become manic. Some also use the dating apps in social media, which can eventually cause interpersonal issues with their partners,' says Dr Muhammad Muhsin. An academician points out that in addressing the issue of pressure to appear perfect on social media, many users find themselves trapped in the pursuit of self-validation and social approval. — Bernama photo According to him, in the US, depression and suicide rates are linked to increased screen time or Internet usage, especially among teenagers. 'There are also people who experience negative effects just from passively scrolling through social media. 'Studies show increasing anxiety among adults, which is linked to 'FOMO' ('fear of missing out'),' he stresses, stressing that parents, schools, communities and the government each have a crucial role to play in addressing social media-related issues. — Bernama arents, schools, communities and the government each has a crucial role to play in addressing social media-related issues. — Bernama photo cancel culture Facebook Instagram social media toxic trend X
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Call to stem toxic online slang usage
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) has voiced concern over the growing trend of online ethnic labelling among Malaysians, warning that such toxic behaviour is eroding national unity and mutual respect. The association was referring to a recent trend on social media in which individuals are being categorised as 'Type M', 'Type C' and 'Type I' – terms widely believed to correspond to the country's three major ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese and Indian. Speaking to theSun, MCCA president Siraj Jalil said this divisive behaviour is being driven by certain groups attempting to provoke others, often under the guise of using seemingly non-provocative language. 'Terms such as 'Type M', 'Type C' and 'Type I' aren't inherently offensive, but we all understand what they imply and who the intended targets are. 'These groups are trying to shape a narrative, but in a way that avoids being judged as violating the sensitive 3R issues – royalty, religion and race.' Siraj noted that such comments frequently surface when news relates to a particular ethnic group. 'For instance, when news broke about an illegal temple, certain individuals would comment about 'Type I'. Similarly, when illegal farming is discussed, some netizens target 'Type C' and when family-related issues arise, the term 'Type M' is often used.' He added that the Malay language allows for satire to be used subtly as a vehicle for criticism, often with the expectation that the underlying message will be understood by the intended audience. 'Those who take it with an open mind may not react strongly, but others may respond aggressively to the provocation.' Siraj stressed that it is the responsibility of the government, particularly the National Unity Ministry, to create platforms where sensitive topics can be addressed in a constructive and meaningful manner. He emphasised that the ministry must involve individuals who resonate with each ethnic group and can effectively communicate their concerns to ensure all communities feel represented in the dialogue. 'First, we need to address the root cause of why these issues keep recurring on social media. 'I'm not saying such programmes don't exist, but the government must create more opportunities for these discussions to take place.'
