KUCHING: The Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (SOACA 2017) is still under review to ensure it remains relevant in addressing emerging threats, particularly online.
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said that discussions are ongoing, including proposals to introduce a tribunal under the Act, but the process remains at the engagement stage with the Law Ministry and other stakeholders.
“We recently held engagements through the Ministry and the Law Minister, as the matter falls under their jurisdiction.
“The amendments will be comprehensive, particularly in addressing online cases, where the threat of pedophiles is increasing.
“We are working closely with the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to tighten the law, but more needs to be done. For now, nothing has been finalised as the process is still ongoing,” she said.
She said this when met by reporters after officiating the Child Protection Advocation programme at Dewan Serbaguna Samariang Aman here today.
Nancy added that specific proposals for amendments cannot yet be disclosed to avoid premature speculation.
“Nowadays, whenever we amend a bill, we must engage with the states and also NGOs, not only government agencies. We don’t want to pass laws without the states knowing what’s happening.
“Engagement is necessary, especially with NGOs. There are many NGOs interested and willing to be involved.
“With the influence of social media, if we don’t involve them, they will raise complaints quickly. They have the right. So now, in fact, the tribunal on bullying is ongoing, and NGOs are involved,” she added.
On the timeline, Nancy said there is an intention to complete the review this year but it remains uncertain.
“The intention is to do it this year, but we don’t know if it can be achieved. There are many bills lined up for the end of the year, from October until December, including in the Dewan Negara.
“If we delay, NGOs will demand again, and we will have to repeat the engagement process. Each party wants their own bill to be tabled,” she said.
