PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry is taking the allegations of pornography videos involving schoolchildren very seriously.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that the ministry was working closely with other relevant authorities, including the Home Ministry, the Communications Ministry, and the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry, to address the issue.
"We treat this matter with utmost seriousness and are committed to ensuring the protection of our children, especially those in schools.
"Any complaints or allegations regarding this issue must follow the proper channels managed by the responsible authorities," she told reporters after her ministry's monthly assembly today.
Fadhlina said that the ministry consistently conducted advocacy through awareness programmes and reminders to prevent children from becoming involved in such activities.
"The safety of schoolchildren must always be a top priority.
"When we speak of schoolchildren, their safety comes first," she said.
Yesterday, the New Straits Times reported the alarming ease with which child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is accessed in Malaysia.
Once confined to the dark web, such content is now being sold openly on social media platforms for as little as RM1.
The disturbing rise in demand for these materials is fueling the production of locally made child pornography, posing serious concerns about the safety of children.
The NST investigation revealed numerous groups and hidden accounts openly promoting both international and locally produced CSAM.
The report found that sellers offered various packages, granting access to groups allegedly containing CSAM, with prices ranging from RM50 to RM350.
One seller claimed to manage several groups, categorised by preferences, including those featuring male minors with female minors, and other explicit content.