MPs ask where funds will come from under new child sexual offences bill

KUALA LUMPUR: MPs on both sides of the divide have questioned how amendments to the Sexual Offences Against Children Act can be enforced without extra funding, despite backing the bill in principle.

The proposed amendments seek to widen power to act on child sexual offences committed overseas, including where the offender or victim has a Malaysian link.

MPs from Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional argued that the amendments were needed as child sexual crimes were no longer confined to physical abuse or offences committed within the country.

However, they said the wider powers would mean nothing without trained investigators, cyber forensics, digital evidence storage, extradition deals and cooperation with foreign police and tech platforms.

Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat) asked why the bill mentioned that it would not involve extra government expenditure, saying enforcement would require funding for training, technology and international cooperation.

Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) said the wider extra-territorial powers must be supported by proper enforcement ability and international cooperation.

The former deputy law minister also asked how the government would deal with double jeopardy, such as cases where a suspect had already been investigated, acquitted or convicted overseas before returning to Malaysia.

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said tabled the Sexual Offences Against Children (Amendment) Bill 2026 for second reading in the Dewan Rakyat earlier today.

Under the existing provisions, the law applies only to offences committed abroad by Malaysian citizens, but the amendment seeks to extend its scope to permanent residents and individuals who ordinarily reside in Malaysia.

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