What is the new age limit for child witnesses under the amended bill?

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The age limit for child witnesses has been raised to 18 years old under the amended bill.

The Dewan Negara has passed the Evidence of Child Witness (Amendment) Bill 2023, which introduces significant changes to protect children within the judicial process. A key provision of this amendment is the increase of the age threshold for child witnesses, extending the definition of a child to include individuals up to 18 years of age.
Increase in Age Limit for Child Witnesses

The amendment bill specifically aims to raise the age limit for children from the previous 16 years to 18 years. This adjustment is intended to provide a broader scope of protection for young individuals participating in legal proceedings, ensuring they are treated with greater consideration throughout the judicial process.
Enhanced Protections and Special Hearings

Beyond the age limit revision, the amendments incorporate provisions for special hearings tailored to child witnesses. Furthermore, the bill explicitly prohibits the use of improper questioning techniques when dealing with child witnesses. These measures are designed to create a more sensitive and supportive environment for children giving evidence.
Fostering a Child-Friendly Justice System

The government's objective with these amendments is to cultivate a criminal justice system in Malaysia that is more accommodating and child-friendly. By implementing these changes, there is an expectation that children and their families will be more inclined to report incidents, contributing to the gradual reduction of stigma and shame associated with such issues. The amendments also ensure the law remains current and aligned with the Child Act 2001, having not been updated for 16 years.

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What is the new age limit for child witnesses under the amended bill?

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