Can Malaysian citizens be prosecuted for committing child sexual offences abroad?

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Malaysian Citizens Can Be Prosecuted for Committing Child Sexual Offences Abroad

Yes, Malaysian citizens can be prosecuted for committing sexual offences against children abroad, as proposed by the amendment to the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792). The Bill seeks to extend the application of the Act to cover such offences committed outside Malaysia. This expansion of extraterritorial application aims to ensure that individuals with ties to Malaysia are held accountable regardless of where the offence took place.
Extension of Act's Application to Overseas Offences

The proposed amendment to Section 3 of Act 792 specifically addresses offences committed outside Malaysia. Under the revised provisions, these offences will be punishable by the Act if they involve a child who is a Malaysian citizen or a permanent resident. Furthermore, the Act will apply to sexual offences against children committed overseas by Malaysian citizens or permanent residents themselves.
Expanded Extraterritorial Jurisdiction

The substitution of Section 3 of Act 792 aims to significantly broaden the extraterritorial reach of the legislation. The amended Act will cover offences listed in the Schedule that involve child victims and are committed outside Malaysia. This jurisdiction will extend to perpetrators who are permanent residents or individuals habitually residing in Malaysia, as well as any person who commits an offence against a child who is a Malaysian citizen, a permanent resident, or habitually residing in Malaysia.
Legislative Process Underway

The Sexual Offences against Children (Amendment) Bill 2026 has been formally introduced into the legislative process. It was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform). The Bill is scheduled to be presented for its second reading during the current parliamentary sitting, marking a significant step towards its potential enactment.

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Can Malaysian citizens be prosecuted for committing child sexual offences abroad?

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