Will Malaysian citizens or permanent residents face penalties for acts abroad?

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Malaysian Citizens and Permanent Residents May Face Penalties for Overseas Acts Under Amended Law

Malaysian citizens or permanent residents could face penalties under the amended Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for acts committed abroad. The proposed amendments seek to extend the Act's jurisdiction to cover sexual offences against children that occur outside Malaysia, provided there is a connection to the country. This extension specifically targets cases involving a child who is a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident, or when the perpetrator is a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident.
Expanded Extra-Territorial Application

The amendment to Section 3 of Act 792 aims to broaden the Act's reach to include offences committed outside Malaysia. These offences are punishable under the Act if they involve a child who is a Malaysian citizen or a permanent resident. The proposed changes will also apply to sexual offences against children committed overseas by Malaysian citizens or permanent residents themselves.
Scope of the Amendment

The revised Section 3 of Act 792 is designed to expand the extra-territorial application of the Act to specified offences involving a child victim. This includes acts committed outside Malaysia by a permanent resident or an individual whose habitual residence is in Malaysia. Furthermore, the Act will apply to any person committing an offence against a child who is a Malaysian citizen, a permanent resident, or a habitual resident in Malaysia.
Legislative Action Taken

The Sexual Offences against Children (Amendment) Bill 2026 was formally presented for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat. This tabling was conducted by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. The Bill is scheduled for its second reading during the ongoing parliamentary session.

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Will Malaysian citizens or permanent residents face penalties for acts abroad?

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