Parents, guardians, society and the relevant authorities need to act together to counter child abuse and protect them from the dangers that may come through the Internet.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said many used the Internet for education or to improve their businesses but others had also abused this communications platform.
"A Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) survey states that 15.5 per cent of Internet users are aged 19 years and below and own a mobile phone from as early as 12 years old.
"Unprotected and unguided, their youth makes them vulnerable to negative activities," he told Bernama when asked on the exploitation and abuse of children on the Internet, today.
He said, cyber criminals had been known to use chat applications and social media platforms such as Whatsapp, Wechat and Bigo Live to establish contact with these young users and to gain their trust with a view to grooming or luring them into dangerous situations.
Therefore he said, parents and guardians needed to arm themselves with knowledge of new trends on the Internet to regulate (their) children; talk about risks, involve themselves in their children’s online activities and at the same time guide them towards positive use of the Internet.
Salleh said the government had been working hard to bring Internet access to the population all across the nation.
He said, based on the current household broadband penetration rate per 100 households of 78.7 per cent, this indicated that the society in this country was heading towards a digital lifestyle.
Current active internet users in Malaysia exceeded 20.1 million with more than 17.4 million active on social media with the MCMC Internet Users Survey revealing that 74.3 per cent of users access the Internet via mobile phones, mainly to obtain information and for communication purposes, he said.
However, he said, with better access to the Internet came the responsibility to use it positively.
Elaborating further, Salleh said to support parents, particularly those in rural areas, the government via MCMC, had established facilities such as the 1 Malaysia Internet Centre (PI1M) to help them learn about Information Technology (ICT).
"Around 700 PI1Ms have been established around the country in areas fulfilling the selection criteria.
"Internet centres can improve ICT literacy, guide and advise parents on the use of ICT, provide the opportunity to learn Internet-use procedures, especially the correct use of social media platforms," he said.
He said all this would help ensure an effective monitoring process of their children's online activities.
At the same time, he said the government via MCMC, was working with the Internet Service Providers in the country to provide Parental Control applications to mobile phone users.
"Parents will have the option of using these applications as a tool to monitor their children’s activities and help keep them safe," he added.
Bernama
Tue Oct 18 2016
He said all this would help ensure an effective monitoring process of their children's online activities.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.