MASW said the report was deeply disturbing and was connected to the broader issue of online gender-based violence.
It cited Unicef’s “Disrupting Harm” report in 2022 which found that 4% of children aged 12 to 17 who use the internet have been subject to online sexual exploitation and abuse.
“This included being blackmailed into engaging in sexual activities, having sexual images shared without their consent, or being coerced into sexual activities through promises of money or gifts.
“Scaled to the population, this represents an estimated 100,000 children who may have been subjected to such harms in a single year,” the association said in a statement.
The New Straits Times reported that child sexual abuse material could be easily accessed in Malaysia, with such content sold for as low as RM1 via social media platforms.
Earlier today, education minister Fadhlina Sidek said her ministry viewed the report seriously and would safeguard the wellbeing of children in schools.
She also said she will work with her counterparts in the home and women, children and community development ministries to look into the issue, though no formal report had been lodged.
MASW said social workers were key to protecting children and other vulnerable segments of society from being exploited, as they are often the first to notice signs of online grooming, exploitation or harassment.
The NGO added that survivors of sexual exploitation needed trauma-informed care and legal assistance to help them move on.
It said this was why the Social Work Profession Bill, which was set to be tabled in the recent Dewan Rakyat sitting but delayed, was crucial.
“The bill will empower social workers with the legal authority and resources needed to intervene in cases of online grooming, exploitation and harassment, ensuring the protection of vulnerable children and women.”
MASW urged Putrajaya to ensure the social welfare department had enough qualified socal workers who were equipped to protect children, and for the Care Centres Act 1993 & Regulations 1994 to be fully enforced.
It also called for nationwide campaigns to be held to enhance survivor support for child abuse victims, and urged the public to be vigilant to help protect children in their communities.