Latest news with #KempenInternetSelamat
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sharing child sexual abuse material online a heinous crime, says activist
While technology has brought countless benefits, it has also become a breeding ground for exploitation. — AI Image KUALA LUMPUR (July 18): In today's hyperconnected world, where a single click can spread content across continents in seconds, a dark reality lurks behind the screens: the rampant and often overlooked crime of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). While society debates technology regulation and social media responsibility, the real victims are the children who remain shrouded in silence and pain. 'The act of sharing and resharing CSAM is a heinous crime. The trauma and abuse felt by child victims can last a lifetime,' says Sarawak-based social activist Voon Shiak Ni. CSAM is not merely digital content; it is evidence of real abuse. Each time such material circulates, the children involved are re-victimized, far beyond the original act. Through the Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS), there is a growing push to educate the public about the true nature of CSAM, not just to be seen as illegal content, but as ongoing harm to real children. KIS urges the public to understand that every click, share, or view retraumatises victims and deepens their suffering. True internet safety must centre the needs of survivors, and that begins with breaking the silence and building a culture of empathy, responsibility, and protection. 'The victims continue to be traumatised and re-traumatised when their abuse materials are reshared all over social media. Being helpless and having no control over this aggravates their fear and shame,' Voon stresses. Voon Shiak Ni Despite this horrifying reality, discussions often centre more on technology and platform accountability than on the children caught in this cycle of abuse. Survivors of child sexual abuse often battle lifelong psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Many struggle with trust, relationships, and employment. According to the global Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente, survivors are at higher risk of substance abuse and self-harm later in life. 'We all know that crimes like this inflict lifelong psychological scars,' Voon laments, 'Yet, the suffering of victims is often not given enough attention. Most retreat into silence, but their quietness does not mean they are alright.' This raises a crucial question: How many of these children get the help they need? Is there even a national registry of CSAM survivors in Malaysia? The answer remains unclear. While technology has brought countless benefits, it has also become a breeding ground for exploitation. Encrypted messaging platforms, dark web forums, and even mainstream social media are misused for distributing CSAM. Although the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) works with international agencies to detect and remove such content, technological advances often outpace enforcement efforts. 'Cases of child pornography distribution are expected to worsen as technology facilitates these crimes,' Voon warns. She emphasizes that those who view or share CSAM are complicit in harming the children behind the screens. 'There must be strong reminders that resharing or viewing this content is a serious crime.' Preventing this crime and supporting victims is not just the job of authorities. The responsibility lies with all of us, specifically parents, teachers, and communities alike. Parents, as the first line of defense, must actively guide their children's digital activities. Open conversations about personal boundaries, body autonomy, and online safety are critical. Children need to learn to recognise inappropriate behavior and feel safe speaking up. Incorporating digital safety into daily routines including from age-appropriate restrictions to regular check-ins can be life-changing. Parents also need to stay informed about online grooming and the platforms their children use. Teachers, who spend significant time with children, play a vital role in detecting early warning signs of abuse. Sudden behavioral changes like withdrawal, aggression, or poor academic performance may signal deeper issues. With proper training, educators can identify red flags and act as crucial protectors within the school system. Communities, too, have an essential part to play. Neighbours, friends, and even casual observers can intervene when something feels off. Signs such as a child appearing overly anxious around certain adults or displaying inappropriate sexual behavior should never be ignored. Voon underscores the need for trauma support systems to be accessible and safe for all victims and their families. Strengthening community-based child protection programs, neighborhood watch groups, and local support centers is vital to ensure vulnerable children do not slip through the cracks. Although Malaysia has laws under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Penal Code, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, enforcement and public awareness remain major challenges. While there have been stronger collaborations with international agencies like Interpol, gaps in victim support and legal processes persist. 'Is the present law in Malaysia enough to combat child pornography?' Voon asks pointedly. 'I call on the government to increase efforts to support victims, help them overcome trauma, and most importantly, give them a chance to live again.' Stronger legislation, dedicated task forces, and better victim protection mechanisms are critical. Furthermore, national data tracking systems must be improved to monitor prevalence, identify trends, and track survivor outcomes. Society has often turned a blind eye to the shadowy corners of the internet, reluctant to confront the ugly truths within. But that passivity allows predators to continue their actions unchecked. The answer should no longer be yes. Society must confront this issue with urgency and compassion. This means parents staying involved, teachers staying alert, communities staying supportive, and governments staying accountable. Behind every shared video or image of abuse is a child who was hurt. A child who may still be suffering. A child who needs us to see them not as digital data but as a human being worth protecting. child pornography CSAM lead Voon Shiak Ni
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Safeguarding children online: Combating the growing threat of CSAM in Malaysia
Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals must remain vigilant and proactive but many Malaysian families still hold misconceptions about online safety and the risks it poses. — AI Image KUALA LUMPUR (July 16): Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) refers to any content that depicts the sexual abuse or exploitation of children. It is a serious crime and a severe violation of a child's rights and dignity. As children increasingly spend time online through social media, games, and other digital platforms, they are more exposed to risks such as online grooming, manipulation, and exploitation. This makes them highly susceptible to harm, as offenders can easily reach and target them through the very spaces they use daily. The growing presence of CSAM in the digital world highlights the urgent need to protect children and educate them, as well as parents and communities, about online safety. As part of the broader efforts under the Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS), raising awareness about Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) has become a critical national priority. In today's digital world, educating the public, especially parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders on internet safety is essential to protect children. CSAM is a severe and lasting trauma that demands a united and informed response. Through greater vigilance, open dialogue, and coordinated action, together as a society can build safer online spaces for every child. Dato' Dr Amar Singh Dato' Dr Amar Singh, consultant paediatrician and child-disability activist, warns that CSAM is not merely explicit material. 'CSAM involves sexually explicit images or videos of a child or adolescent. It is a record of a crime against a child and a permanent record of the child's victimisation and trauma,' said Dr Amar. 'The Internet allows for the widespread sharing and distribution of CSAM, which can cause lifelong psychological distress to most children, even as adults. This re-victimises the child again and again.' According to Dr Amar, the psychological impact of CSAM on young victims is profound and devastating. 'Those victimised by CSAM have significant psychosocial trauma resulting in anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal tendencies. They feel hopeless and experience a loss of control over the continued circulation of their images,' he explained. 'More importantly, they have great difficulty in trusting others and forming meaningful relationships.' This deep emotional wound does not stop at the child. Dr Amar said: 'These psychological and emotional struggles are also felt by their parents and siblings, disrupting family relationships. At times, parents unreasonably vent their anger on the child who was abused.' The easy accessibility of CSAM online also has far-reaching effects on other children. It can heighten sexuality and lead to increased sexual activities among youth, sometimes even resulting in children exploiting other children. The introduction of AI-generated CSAM has further complicated the problem, as this material can be produced and circulated without a child's knowledge or direct involvement. One of the greatest challenges lies in identifying the signs that a child might have been exposed to or is being groomed online. In his book 'Cybersafety: A Handbook for Parents & Children', Dr Amar shares some critical behavioural red flags. These include a child becoming nervous or emotional when online, being overly secretive about their digital life, sudden social withdrawal, unexplained changes in behaviour or academic performance, mood swings, and a sudden refusal to use their devices. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals must remain vigilant and proactive. Many Malaysian families, however, still hold misconceptions about online safety and the risks it poses. They often believe that monitoring screen time alone is sufficient or that their child would always inform them of problems. In reality, as Dr Amar stressed many children do not disclose online abuse due to fear of punishment, embarrassment, or losing access to their devices. The circulation of CSAM through private messaging apps and encrypted platforms has further complicated matters. Adolescents who unintentionally come across such material may suffer from shock, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. According to Dr Amar, the loss of a safe online space and the guilt associated with accidental exposure can have lasting psychological repercussions. Creating a safe, open environment for children to discuss uncomfortable or inappropriate content is crucial. Dr Amar advocates for honest, non-judgmental communication at home. 'Attempts to scare children about online risks usually do not work,' he wrote. 'Our children and teenagers are naturally curious and need open and honest communication, a safe environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and discussing their concerns about online sexual material without fear of judgment.' Schools, paediatricians, and community mental health workers also play vital roles. Schools can integrate cybersafety education into their curriculum, helping children understand boundaries and identify grooming behaviour. Paediatricians can support parents by providing guidance during consultations, and community mental health workers can create support systems for at-risk children and their families. Dr Amar highlighted the need for collective responsibility in protecting children. 'Preventing children and teenagers from sexual abuse and exploitation requires a combination of education, open communication in families, setting boundaries and fostering safe online behaviour, with governmental protection to ensure online safety for children,' he said. Adults have a responsibility to actively engage in safeguarding children's digital experiences. This includes knowing their children's online friends, monitoring screen activities, and fostering discernment in using social media. The recently enacted Online Safety Act 2024 empowers the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to regulate online safety, but more needs to be done to ensure its effectiveness. Dr Amar also underscored the importance of society's role as a watchdog. Communities should remain vigilant, report predatory online sites and individuals to the MCMC, and support efforts to create safer digital environments. For children who have been affected by CSAM-related trauma, therapeutic strategies play an essential role in recovery. According to insights from Dr Amar's book, trauma-informed therapy, supportive counseling, and family-based interventions help victims rebuild trust, regain a sense of safety, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. These approaches must be compassionate and tailored to each child's unique emotional needs. The issue of CSAM is a complex, multifaceted problem requiring urgent attention and coordinated action. As Dr Amar emphasised the combination of familial involvement, community vigilance, and governmental intervention can help safeguard children's psychological well-being in digital spaces. This problem demands a unified approach from all sectors of society for it to be solved. In a digital era where dangers often lurk behind screens, protecting children from CSAM and online exploitation is not merely a parental duty but a collective societal imperative. As the country strives to build a safer online environment, it is vital to remember Dr Amar's words and commit to creating a world where every child can navigate the internet safely and grow into adulthood free from the scars of digital abuse. Child Sexual Abuse Material Dr Amar Singh Kempen Internet Selamat lead
Daily Express
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
MCMC expands cyber safety campaign to schools
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Teo (centre) attending the Internet Safety Campaign at SK Sung Siew on Tuesday. - Winnie Kasmir/Daily Express SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is intensifying its 'Kempen Internet Selamat' by bringing it to primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions nationwide. Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching said the campaign, launched in January, now targets students to tackle rising online threats like cyberbullying, scams, sexual grooming, exploitation, and data privacy breaches. Advertisement 'Kids are online now. We must reach them where they are at school,' she said during a visit to SK Sung Siew on Tuesday. So far, the campaign has reached 53 schools with over 11,800 participants. MCMC aims for 344 schools by August, including 64 in Sabah. Teo urged schools to join and highlighted parental responsibility in guiding children's online use. Sandakan MP Vivian Wong supported the initiative and suggested expanding it to mosques and communities to raise broader digital awareness. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
1,298 Sabah schools to join Internet Safety Campaign
Published on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 15, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Teo (centre) handing over the KIS pester to SM Holy Trinity. TAWAU: A total of 1,298 primary and secondary schools in Sabah will participate in the Internet Safety Campaign (Kempen Internet Selamat, KIS), an initiative by the Ministry of Communications through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the campaign will be implemented in phases, focusing on promoting online safety through educational outreach to students. Advertisement 'Sekolah Menengah Holy Trinity in Tawau is the first secondary school in the district to implement KIS, using a specially designed module for students aged 13 to 17, involving 290 participants. 'The objective of the module is to raise awareness among students about Internet safety, including the risks involved, their responsibilities to themselves and other users, as well as the long-term impact of Internet use,' she said in a statement, Friday. Teo, who is currently on a working visit to Sabah, attended the KIS programme at Sekolah Menengah Holy Trinity. She expressed hope that through the module, students will be able to distinguish between genuine and false information online by identifying the characteristics of facts versus misinformation, as well as assess the risks of openly sharing personal information. 'Students are also expected to recognise signs of online grooming and be better prepared with self-protection strategies,' she added. She said the campaign aims to equip students with critical thinking and empathy-based decision-making skills, enabling them to make safe and responsible choices when navigating the digital space. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
1,298 Sabah schools to participate in Internet Safety Campaign
TAWAU: A total of 1,298 primary and secondary schools in Sabah will participate in the Internet Safety Campaign (Kempen Internet Selamat, KIS), an initiative by the Ministry of Communications through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the campaign will be implemented in phases, focusing on promoting online safety through educational outreach to students. 'Sekolah Menengah Holy Trinity in Tawau is the first secondary school in the district to implement KIS, using a specially designed module for students aged 13 to 17, involving 290 participants. 'The objective of the module is to raise awareness among students about Internet safety, including the risks involved, their responsibilities to themselves and other users, as well as the long-term impact of Internet use,' she said in a statement today. Teo, who is currently on a working visit to Sabah, attended the KIS programme at Sekolah Menengah Holy Trinity. She expressed hope that through the module, students will be able to distinguish between genuine and false information online by identifying the characteristics of facts versus misinformation, as well as assess the risks of openly sharing personal information. 'Students are also expected to recognise signs of online grooming and be better prepared with self-protection strategies,' she added. She said the campaign aims to equip students with critical thinking and empathy-based decision-making skills, enabling them to make safe and responsible choices when navigating the digital space.
