The Malay Mail Online spoke to Women’s Aid Organization executive director Sumitra Visvanathan, who admitted it was necessary but expressed concern over its implementation.

“We don’t know how it’s going to be implemented, what the scope is going to be and how the information is going to be used,” said Sumitra.

Voice of the Children chairman Sharmila Sekaran said that sensitive information should also not be made available to the public.

“The part of database accessible to the public should not have all the information – that part should only be accessible to the authorities.

“Having people’s names listed online is dangerous. You are only put into the register after the court has decided beyond reasonable doubt that you have committed a particular offence,” she told the portal, adding that it could also spur vigilantism.

According to her, the registry could also cause confusion, as innocent people who share similar names as listed offenders could get harassed.

Yesterday, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rohani Abdul Karim announced that a registry will be set up for those who commit offences against children under the amendments of the Child Act 2001.

Under the amended act, child abusers could be fined RM50,000 or jailed for 20 years, or both.