Sexual Offences Against Children Bill 2017 tabled in Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said tabled the much-awaited Sexual Offences Against Children Bill 2017 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
"The proposed Act seeks to provide punishments in addition to other sexual offences against children and other written laws.
"The ultimate objective is to provide better protection for children against sexual offences, to safeguard the interest and well-being of children and to provide effective deterrence," she said.
The bill stated that in ensuring the effectiveness of the proposed law, all relevant parties dealing with children including the public are obliged to furnish information to the relevant authority on the commission of or the intention of any other person to commit any sexual offence against children.  
The bill extensively provides for
– Extra-territorial jurisdiction – any Malaysian who commits an offence under this Act outside the country will also face prosecution.
– Child porn – making, possessing and distributing any material with sexually explicit conducts – maximum 30years jail and maximum 6 strokes
– Child grooming for sexual purposes – maximum of 10years jail and liable for whipping
– Physical and non-physical assaults, including verbal and visual – maximum 10 years jail or fine RM20,000 or both
– More admissibility of child testimonies
– Penalising those who abuse position of trusts, where children are placed under their care including supervisors, trainers and healthcare service providers – maximum 5 years and 2 strokes
– Penalising those who fail to inform or abet, including enforcement officers
– A male offender above 50 years old may still be punished with whipping