KOTA TINGGI: The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) appreciates netizens' efforts in highlighting the improper conduct of a bus driver, which led to his arrest.
Earlier, the bus driver, who uploaded a video of a primary school student he referred to as his "crush" was arrested by the police in Simpang Renggam at 2.57am.
Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said praised the netizens for their vigilance and reports regarding the incident.
"Citizens monitoring other citizens, providing information, and acting as eyes and ears is commendable.
"If many people see an issue, it's good for them to comment, provide feedback, and share information so we can locate the individuals involved.
"I advise parents to practise caution, whether with sons or daughters, and not to share photos with anyone, as Artificial Intelligence can also manipulate them.
"Children are indeed adorable, and everyone likes them, but some individuals may have mental issues, such as paedophilia," she said after the Handing Over Ceremony of the Felda Sungai Mas House for the People in Kota Tinggi.
Azalina said the online safety bill needed to be tabled urgently to enable action against the misuse of children's images without permission on social media.
The account owner, known as 'Abang Bas' who has over 600,000 followers, uploaded a video while driving a school bus, with the face of the primary school student visible in the background.
The post by the bus driver received backlash from parents who felt such content was inappropriate and could be considered sexual harassment against children.
The 24-year-old suspect is also being investigated under Section 15(2) of the Child Act 2001 for publishing images of children via any electronic medium and has been remanded for five days starting today.