Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay dismissed the excuse as unreasonable as he said the authorities have issued numerous public warnings about CSAM, which is classified as a violent crime, Bernama reported.

“The police will continue to identify individuals involved in these activities, including possessing or promoting pornographic material involving children,” he was quoted as saying.

He said the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will intensify operations to track down those suspected of being involved in CSAM.

Ayob was speaking to the media after closing a criminal investigation department leadership programme in Ipoh.

On Dec 23, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said that 13 men were arrested in six states on suspicion of committing online sexual offences involving CSAM.

He said the suspects, aged between 20 and 74, were arrested at 18 locations in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor, Perak and Terengganu.