SEMATAN: The Act related to bullying, sexual harassment, and cybercrimes involving children is still in the drafting stage and has yet to be finalised, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said the Act is currently being refined by the Legal Affairs Division together with the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
“These Acts involving cybercrime and bullying related to children are still at the draft stage and have not been finalised.
“However, the intention to introduce this law has been brought to the Cabinet several times.
“We are now waiting for the next steps, including a review by the Attorney General’s Chambers before it can be tabled in Parliament,” she said.
She told the media this after officiating at the prize presentation ceremony for the Cooking Competition held in conjunction with the 2025 Sematan Festival here today.
Nancy, who is also the Santubong Member of Parliament, said that although the Act does not fall under her ministry’s jurisdiction, her ministry is still involved in contributing input at Cabinet meetings.
“This Act does not come under the Ministry of Women’s Development, but it still involves us as it relates to child and family protection.
“All related ministries are required to provide input, including ours,” she added.
Commenting on recent viral cases involving children, such as Zara Qairina, she described the incident as distressing and said it involved many factors including family background and the school environment.
“Such cases do not stem from a single cause. They involve how a child is raised, school approaches, and their peer interactions.
“There are also elements of jealousy, as seen on social media, but this has not yet been confirmed as an official case by the police,” she explained.
She added that the Social Welfare Department (JKM) is always prepared to offer counselling services to affected families, but its implementation depends on the family’s readiness.
“We understand that some families may not be ready, possibly due to trauma or shame.
“However, our counselling team is always on standby to provide the necessary support,” she said.
According to Nancy, another key meeting focused on child protection efforts is expected to be held after July 29, which will cover bullying, sexual harassment and other issues currently being comprehensively drafted by the government.
She said the Act is currently being refined by the Legal Affairs Division together with the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
“These Acts involving cybercrime and bullying related to children are still at the draft stage and have not been finalised.
“However, the intention to introduce this law has been brought to the Cabinet several times.
“We are now waiting for the next steps, including a review by the Attorney General’s Chambers before it can be tabled in Parliament,” she said.
She told the media this after officiating at the prize presentation ceremony for the Cooking Competition held in conjunction with the 2025 Sematan Festival here today.
Nancy, who is also the Santubong Member of Parliament, said that although the Act does not fall under her ministry’s jurisdiction, her ministry is still involved in contributing input at Cabinet meetings.
“This Act does not come under the Ministry of Women’s Development, but it still involves us as it relates to child and family protection.
“All related ministries are required to provide input, including ours,” she added.
Commenting on recent viral cases involving children, such as Zara Qairina, she described the incident as distressing and said it involved many factors including family background and the school environment.
“Such cases do not stem from a single cause. They involve how a child is raised, school approaches, and their peer interactions.
“There are also elements of jealousy, as seen on social media, but this has not yet been confirmed as an official case by the police,” she explained.
She added that the Social Welfare Department (JKM) is always prepared to offer counselling services to affected families, but its implementation depends on the family’s readiness.
“We understand that some families may not be ready, possibly due to trauma or shame.
“However, our counselling team is always on standby to provide the necessary support,” she said.
According to Nancy, another key meeting focused on child protection efforts is expected to be held after July 29, which will cover bullying, sexual harassment and other issues currently being comprehensively drafted by the government.