KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) announced today the seizure of 498,694 digital files in a single sweeping crackdown on online child sexual exploitation in Malaysia, carried out as part of a recent seven-country operation targeting cross-border networks involved in the sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said 69 out of 101 identified CSAM enablers were tracked down and arrested in Malaysia following extensive intelligence-sharing with regional and international law enforcement partners.

The transborder operation, dubbed Operasi Cyber Guardian 2026, saw participation from six other countries, namely Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore.

With the main operation taking place from March 23 to April 17, Mohd Khalid said PDRM alongside its state contingents conducted simultaneous arrests nationwide between April 6 and April 8.

“Searches were performed on the premises and electronic devices of those targeted and our profiling of the identified perpetrators found that they came from various backgrounds.

Those arrested were aged between 15 and 66, with all except one being male.

“A total of 124 electronic devices alongside 204,934 CSAM and 293,760 adult pornography files were also seized,” he told a press conference at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman here.

A total of 339 personnel from the PDRM, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) which provided technical support, were mobilised.

According to Mohd Khalid, 171 online platforms and groups were found to be involved in the distribution and sale of CSAM in Malaysia following the crackdown.

“Some of those arrested were group administrators who offered paid access to CSAM via e-Wallet and QR payment which showed element of commercialisation by utilising the digital ecosystem to access, store and distribute CSAM,” he said.

The breakdown of arrests according to states was Selangor (22), Kedah and Johor (10); Penang, Perak and Pahang (9); Perlis and Negeri Sembilan (8); KL (5); Kelantan, Terengganu and Sarawak (3); Sabah and Melaka (1).

Following the arrests, Mohd Khalid said 67 investigation papers (IPs) were opened, with 62 leading to prosecutions, two still under investigation, and three classified as requiring no further action.

Mohd Khalid said the latest crackdown demonstrates PDRM’s consistent, uncompromised and stern enforcement against online child sexual exploitation crimes.

“Such crimes are no longer individual in nature, but have evolved into more organised, profit-driven networks operating across borders.

“PDRM views these developments seriously as online child sexual exploitation is becoming more complex, structured and wide-ranging, requiring a comprehensive approach involving intelligence, enforcement and strategic cooperation at both national and international levels,” he said.

Mohd Khalid also reiterated that strict and uncompromising action will be taken against any party involved, while urging the public to strengthen digital awareness and closely monitor children’s use of digital devices to reduce exposure to online threats.

“We are committed to strengthening strategic collaboration with local and overseas agencies to ensure children are protected from any form of exploitation and abuse,” he said.

SEPANG, April 30 — A housewife pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of making false content relating to fuel price increases in the country via social media.

Siti Nor Sayikilla Mohd Azhar, 31, is accused of knowingly creating and initiating the transmission of false communications on March 31 with intent to annoy others, using @cek_apple95 account on Threads.

According to the charge sheet, the post was detected by an officer from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on the same day.

She is charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both, as well as an additional fine of RM5,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction.

The court allowed Siti Nor Sayikilla bail of RM4,000 in one surety and set June 4 for mention and document submission.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Azmir Mohd Razali appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali.

Earlier, Muhammad Rafique applied for minimal bail of RM500, saying that Siti Nor Sayikilla is a housewife with no fixed income, while her husband does odd jobs with an irregular income. 

“My client has two children. The eldest is bedridden, unable to see or speak, and requires full-time care. The other child is still very young and fully dependent on the parents,” he said.

Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman, however, said offences under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 are not trivial matters, particularly when they involve the dissemination of false information that could disrupt public order.

“This provision exists to ensure that the public does not casually make false or untrue statements. Every action has consequences and must be carefully considered before any post is made.

“Such actions, although they may appear simple like making a comment or posting content, can have serious consequences. That is why the law prescribes heavy penalties,” he said. — Bernama