She said members of the public played an important role in monitoring and providing information in society, Berita Harian reported.

“When many people notice something, they comment, provide feedback and share information. This helps us take action (against offenders),” she was quoted as saying.

“This is a positive approach and I thank netizens for their prompt response.”

Azalina, however, advised parents to be mindful about sharing their children’s photos, as images can be manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI).

She added that this incident stressed the need to expedite the Online Safety Bill to address the misuse of children’s images on social media and to curb online crimes involving AI.

“We need to expedite the Online Safety Bill. I’ve mentioned previously that it should be tabled during the next parliamentary session,” she said.

Earlier today, Johor police chief M Kumar said his team arrested the bus driver in Simpang Renggam, Johor, at 3am and confiscated his phone following reports about the videos. An investigation has been launched.

Meanwhile, women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri also thanked the police, the children’s development department and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission for their swift response and action.

“Thank you to everyone who reported, tagged me and provided information about this issue,” she said in an X posting.

“Children’s safety is a shared responsibility, and every child should be protected at all costs.”

Yesterday, Nancy ordered her officers to file a police report against the suspect and called his behaviour unacceptable, as it violated the children’s rights and privacy under the Child Act 2001.

The bus driver’s TikTok videos, in which he referred to the children as his “crush” or “beloved” in the captions, have attracted 10.5 million likes to date, with the children’s faces clearly visible in several posts.