Malaysia amended its law to better protect children against sexual offences

The Malaysian Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) today passed a Bill to amend several provisions of the Sexual Offences Against Children (SOAC) Act 2017. The Bill is crucial in protecting children from all forms of online sexual exploitation and abuse.

The amendments to the Act seek to introduce provisions to allow children to appear as witnesses in court and to increase the age of child witnesses from 16 to 18. The Bill proposes that those convicted of sexual offences against children should be financially liable for the physical or emotional distress of their victim, as well as for related treatment and rehabilitation costs. Those found guilty of offences under the Act face up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of RM50,000. The amendments to the Act would also allow for the prosecution of not only those who view and participate in online sexual acts against children but also ‘intermediaries and syndicates’ who organise and distribute such content.