Cross-Agency Cooperation Needed to Combat Online Child Exploitation

• •Anfaal Saari calls for stronger agency cooperation to combat online child exploitation.
• •Predators are using online games, livestreaming, and the dark web to target children.
• •Since 2024, Selangor has implemented advocacy programs educating children on digital safety.

On September 24, 2026, Anfaal Saari, the state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare, emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation among agencies and digital platforms to combat the increasing complexity of online child sexual exploitation. She noted that predators exploit various channels, including online games and the dark web, necessitating stronger laws and digital content controls. Saari highlighted the importance of digital safety education for children to help them understand the risks of interacting with strangers online. The Selangor government has been implementing advocacy programs since 2024, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and police, to educate children about online safety and bullying. Recent operations, such as Op Pedo and Op Cyber Guardian, have resulted in 170 arrests and the seizure of over 2.1 million files containing child sexual abuse material. Saari stressed that these efforts must continue as threats evolve with technology.