The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Sexual Offences Against Children (Amendment) Bill 2026, extending the law’s jurisdiction to cover offences committed outside Malaysia, in a move aimed at preventing offenders linked to the country from evading prosecution abroad.
The bill was passed with a majority voice vote after being debated by 25 MPs from both the government and Opposition blocs.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M Kulasegaran said the expanded extraterritorial application ensures that individuals connected to Malaysia cannot escape legal action simply because the offence was committed overseas.
He said the amendment does not mean Malaysia will automatically take over all cases involving offences committed abroad, stressing that the country where the offence occurred will continue to hold primary jurisdiction for investigation and prosecution.
“If reports are lodged in both countries, the authorities will consult and cooperate through international cooperation channels to determine the most appropriate action based on the facts of the case, evidence, the location of witnesses and the interests of justice,” he said when winding up the debate.
