It said this was because the home ministry had better access to the latest information on sex offences committed locally and internationally.

It added that the list should be more complete, user-friendly, and accessible to the public with information on all types of sex offenders, not just paedophiles.

Former deputy minister for women, family and community development, Hannah Yeoh, had announced the setting up of a child sex offender registry, which has been up and running since April 1, 2019.

ISI said that despite the positive move, there were several key weaknesses in the system, arguing that the cases were not searchable by name, year or area code. It also only carried information on cases from 2017 onwards.

It said the sex offenders list should be updated with crimes committed since the year 2000.

It also claimed there was no clear information on cases committed abroad, citing the case of a Malaysian youth who was convicted of owning child pornography while studying in the UK but had since returned home with no penalties.

ISI said it appreciates the government’s effort to have such a list, but called for it not to be “half-baked” in implementation.

“Proper feedback or information should be given by the police, and both ministries should work together on the list to make it more accurate, accessible, complete and current.

“It is important for parents to have such information in order to protect their family and to feel safe.”