New child protection bill expected to be tabled in October

A new bill on child protection with more comprehensive legal provisions is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat this October.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the bill, currently being perused by the Attorney-General's Chambers, would cover child pornography, cyber bullying, abuse and begging.

She said a new Act for the protection of children was needed to suit the changing environment and current developments, especially the exploitation of children through cyber crime.

"I really hope the bill can be tabled in October. It will encompass child abuse and neglect, as well as child protection, among others," she told reporters after an Aidilfitri function especially organised for target groups here Monday.

The 4,000-odd guests included orphans, single mothers, senior citizens and the disabled, and the event was also graced by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Rohani said the bill, when passed by Parliament, would replace the Child Act 2001 which was seen as having shortcomings and not able to provide appropriate protection for the victims.

She said the new legislation would not be known as the amended Child Act as the proposed amendments were more than 70 per cent, hence the Attorney-General's Chambers advised that it be a new act.

"We are on the right track (of formulating a new law) and we will continue to hold dialogue sessions with concerned groups and obtain the views of the media to ensure their views are also taken into consideration," she added.