Revealing children's identities can lead to RM10,000 fine, five years in prison

Malaysian authorities are issuing a stern reminder to the public and media against disseminating any images, videos, or information that could expose the identities of children involved in criminal cases. This directive applies across all digital platforms, including social media, and follows recent viral incidents involving schoolchildren.

The Department of Social Welfare (JKM) clarified that any information leading to the identification of a child, whether they are a victim, witness, or suspected perpetrator, is prohibited from being shared. This is in direct contravention of Section 15 of the Child Act 2001 (Act 611), which explicitly forbids the publication or broadcast of any details that could lead to a child's identification, such as their name, address, or educational institution.

Individuals found guilty of violating these provisions face significant penalties, including fines not exceeding RM10,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. JKM stressed that exposing a child's identity not only breaks the law but also severely impacts their safety, emotional well-being, dignity, and hinders their recovery.

Furthermore, the department highlighted the long-lasting negative effects such disclosures can have on the lives and development of the children involved. JKM urged all parties to cease the spread of content that could reveal children's identities and to respect their privacy. The public is also encouraged to practice ethical and responsible social media usage, allowing authorities to conduct investigations without interference.