2025-08-19T06:18:16Z

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Imagine a world where children are forced to leave school because they can make more money selling explicit images than their parents do in an entire month. This isn't a scene from a dystopian novel; it's the grim reality revealed by Malaysia's Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

During a recent session on August 19, he laid bare the startling findings of police investigations into online sex work, particularly focusing on the alarming rise of child exploitation.

Saifuddin disclosed that a disturbing case had come to light where children as young as 12 were being exploited online to sell images of themselves. The minister did not hold back, stating, “Some even dropped out of school because the income they were earning was higher than their parents’ salaries.” Can you believe that? Children, who should be in school learning and playing, are instead getting wrapped up in a world of adult activities that they are far too young to understand.

The origins of this tragedy stemmed from a group of young girls, including a 12-year-old, who created a website with four of her friends. This led to the establishment of a WhatsApp group where they shared explicit materials, ultimately growing to a staggering 762 members. Alarmingly, the minister did not clarify if this group consisted of adults or minors, leaving us to ponder the chilling implications.

Saifuddin emphasized that tackling such serious cases involving children cannot be solely left to law enforcement. “This shows how serious the issue is. When dealing with cases involving 12-year-olds, we must involve other agencies as well,” he stressed. It's a call to action for everyone to unite against this horrifying trend.

In response to Jerai MP Sabri Azit’s inquiry about the police's approach to “swinger” parties — where consenting adults swap partners — Saifuddin explained that various laws could apply depending on the situation. This includes the Penal Code, the Communications and Multimedia Act, and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, particularly when minors are involved.

He recounted a particular incident from August 2024, where the D7 anti-vice and gambling prevention unit discovered websites promoting such activities. This led to a raid on a luxury condominium in Kuala Lumpur, resulting in arrests that included university students, civil servants, and foreigners. The case is now ongoing, charged under Section 372 of the Penal Code.

Saifuddin concluded by highlighting a critical point: while law and enforcement are essential tools in combating these crimes, fostering strong family and community values is equally vital. It’s a sobering reminder that our collective responsibility extends beyond just legislation; it’s about nurturing environments where children can thrive free from exploitation.