Malaysia has given its courts the power to prosecute some sexual offences against children committed overseas, extending the reach of its law beyond national borders as abuse allegations increasingly cross countries, devices and jurisdictions.
But lawyers and child rights advocates say the change will only be as strong as Malaysia’s ability to secure evidence, obtain cooperation from foreign governments and support child victims through complex cross-border cases.
The amendment comes amid renewed scrutiny of child sexual offence cases involving Malaysia-linked professionals overseas, including a paediatrician based in Perth who faces dozens of charges in a case Australian prosecutors say involves multiple children.
On Tuesday, Malaysia’s parliament passed the Sexual Offences Against Children (Amendment) Bill 2026, extending criminal jurisdiction to sexual offences against children committed abroad by permanent residents and individuals who habitually reside in the country.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran told the Lower House the amendment would strengthen the existing legal framework by giving Malaysia a clearer basis to act in cross-border cases.
“The proposed amendment provides such a legal basis, while cross-border enforcement will continue to be managed through international cooperation mechanisms,” he said while concluding the debate on the bill.