“We are concerned that many people who are aware of abuse within schools, families, or the neighbourhood are not reporting it.

“Section 19 of Sexual Offences Act Against Children 2017 says that if you are aware of such incidents and do not report them, it constitutes an offence,” Azalina said during a press conference here, adding that if a person is found guilty, he or she is liable to a maximum fine of RM5,000.

“We want to give a message that sexual offences against children do not just involve the victim or other children, but society at large.

“It is a joint responsibility of everyone, not just family members,” she said.

Separately, the minister has called for the legal aid department (JBG) to consider the possibility of appointing mediators from among former judges and former JBG officers to assist the courts in promoting out-of-court settlements.

Azalina also proposed that JBG should bring more private lawyers into its panel to enhance civil and shariah litigation.

“Increasing the appointment of local panel lawyers will help handle litigation cases where distance is a factor,” she said.

Azalina first said in April that the government was re-examining legal aid.