GEORGE TOWN: The recent "Op Pedo Bersepadu PDRM-MCMC" operation, resulting in the arrest of individuals across various socio-economic backgrounds for possession and distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), exposes a disturbing reality within our society.
As such, Bukit Bendera member of parliament Syerleena Abdul Rashid, has called for Malaysia to end digital predation against children.
While the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) deserved recognition for their swift action, this incident underscored a systemic failure in our digital regulatory framework, she said.
"The fact that suspects were able to operate under false identities on platforms like X and Telegram, accessing and distributing explicit content with apparent ease, is a glaring indictment of the current state of online governance.
"Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil's proposal for a social media licensing framework is a step in the right direction, but it is insufficient.
"We must demand immediate and comprehensive reforms that hold these platforms accountable for the content they host," she said in a statement today (Dec 26).
Syerleena said the Internet, once celebrated as a realm of limitless knowledge and connection, had become a dark playground for those seeking to exploit children's innocence.
"From predators lurking behind anonymous profiles to harmful content masquerading as entertainment, children are bombarded with dangers that threaten their safety and well-being.
"Social media platforms, gaming communities, and even educational apps have become gateways for cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to disturbing material.
"These attacks on innocence leave deep emotional scars, eroding their sense of safety and distorting their perception of the world.
"The lack of accountability in digital spaces has allowed these horrors to flourish unchecked, making it clear that there is an urgent need to strengthen and ensure the protection and safety of our children by integrating clear regulations," she said.
Syerleena called upon the government to implement stringent regulations that compelled social media companies to prioritise user safety and actively prevent the dissemination of CSAM.
"Furthermore, we urge all Malaysians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities involving CSAM to the authorities.
"Protecting our children is not just a collective responsibility but a moral imperative that demands immediate and decisive action.
"As Prophet Muhammad said, 'Be afraid of Allah, and be just to your children.'. We cannot afford to be complacent while the innocence of our youth is at stake.
"Striking a balance between internet freedom and safeguarding children remains to be a challenge for most, but no one could deny the importance of this.
"Therefore, it is our shared responsibility to ensure that the digital age remains a place of opportunity and growth – not harm and exploitation," she said.
On Friday, police and the MCMC launched a blitz on individuals suspected of possessing and distributing CSAM.
The operation, codenamed "Op Pedo Bersepadu PDRM-MCMC", spearheaded by Bukit Aman's Sexual, Women, and Child Investigations Division (D11), involved a series of coordinated raids across six states; Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Terengganu, Penang and Perak.
The raids, which saw the authorities descend on homes in affluent neighbourhoods, as well as middle and low-cost areas, led to the arrest of 13 suspects.
It also resulted in the seizure of 40,000 CSAM and pornographic content from various devices, including computers, cell phones and external hard disks.