UNICEF warns one in four Malaysian children exposed to sexual or disturbing online content

The warning came as the government launched its new National Child Policy and Action Plan (2026–2030) to strengthen child protection in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. - November 18, 2025

UNICEF warns one in four Malaysian children exposed to sexual or disturbing online content

One in four children in Malaysia is inadvertently exposed to sexual or harmful content online, UNICEF has revealed, amid surging cases of exploitation and digital extortion.

ONE in every four Malaysian children is unintentionally exposed to sexual or disturbing content online, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) disclosed today, warning that digital risks have escalated to unprecedented levels.

Robert Gass, UNICEF Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Brunei, said an estimated 100,000 children in the country fall victim to online sexual exploitation or abuse each year.

“That is the equivalent of one child in every classroom,” he noted.

Gass revealed that global reports of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) have soared “125-fold in the first six months of this year to 440,000, compared with 7,000 in 2024.”

He added that cases of sexual extortion are also rising sharply, with children deceived or coerced into sharing intimate images and later blackmailed.

“AI-generated images are often used in these cases,” he said at the launch of the ASEAN ICT Forum on Child Protection in Kuala Lumpur.

The forum was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and attended by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. Gass said the regional meeting plays a vital role in policy development.

“It provides a platform for governments, industry and youth to collaborate in shaping the future of digital safety.

“The aim is to ensure children’s rights, protection and well-being in every digital ecosystem. Technology offers extraordinary opportunities for children to learn, create and connect,” he said.

However, he warned that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, high-speed connectivity and expanded digital access are outpacing the laws and regulatory safeguards designed to protect children.

“It is creating a range of new and intensifying harms,” he said.

The National Child Policy and Action Plan (2026–2030) was launched today to reinforce Malaysia’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and safety.

Zahid said the policy, developed by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), aims to ensure the holistic well-being, survival and participation of all children in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

“Malaysia is committed to strengthening a whole-of-government approach in protecting children online by enhancing cross-border cooperation, working closely with technology industries as strategic partners, empowering families, teachers and communities, and building digital confidence and resilience among children,” he said.

He stressed that the efforts go beyond restricting internet use, aiming instead to create a safe digital environment where children can explore, learn and express themselves with confidence.

“This policy also addresses current challenges, including risks of violence, neglect, exploitation, mental health issues, the digital divide, and online safety threats,” he said.

Given the rapid expansion of digital technologies, the new policy also emphasises cybersecurity through digital literacy education, collaboration with technology industries and legal alignment with international standards.

The government is additionally integrating child rights into national digital policies through cooperation with the Ministry of Communications, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Ministry of Education (KPM) and civil society organisations to strengthen awareness, digital literacy and mechanisms for preventing online exploitation. - November 18, 2025