Summary
- Bill extends jurisdiction to offences committed overseas.
- Targets offenders with links to Malaysia.
- Amendment strengthens cross-border child protection.
- Passed after debate by 25 MPs.
Full Article
KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Sexual Offences Against Children (Amendment) Bill 2026, extending Malaysia’s jurisdiction to offences committed outside the country.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran said the amendment prevents offenders with ties to Malaysia from escaping justice by committing crimes abroad.
He added that foreign authorities will retain primary jurisdiction, while Malaysia may prosecute offenders returned to the country if legal requirements, evidence.
And the Public Prosecutor’s approval are met. The amendment also aims to strengthen protection for all children regardless of nationality.
