She has asked the digital ministry to help establish a team of experts in artificial intelligence and natural intelligence to support the programme, Bernama reported.
Nancy said the request was submitted to digital minister Gobind Singh Deo during a Cabinet meeting yesterday, in view of the urgent need to provide school students with comprehensive exposure to the differences between AI technology and NI, which humans already possess.
“We have a child advocacy programme in schools, but it still lacks content on AI and NI. Many children play online games and are heavily influenced by the AI elements embedded in these games.
“We want them to understand that AI is artificial, while they themselves possess natural intelligence. So, we need a team in the country that can support us in this effort,” she told reporters after an event in her parliamentary constituency, Santubong, in Sarawak today.
According to Nancy, her ministry conducts advocacy programmes in at least 300 schools each year, but the number often exceeds the target due to the programme’s expansion to children’s activity centres.
“Although our annual target is 300 schools, we often surpass that number because we also reach out to (such centres) and local communities. As of Oct 3, a total of 327 schools have taken part in the programme,” she was quoted as saying.
She said her ministry has also asked the police for help, through its D11 division (sexual, women and child investigation), to strengthen educational materials on statutory rape awareness to ensure that children clearly understand the legal implications.
“Every child has the right to know (about such things). We do not want them experimenting without understanding the consequences of engaging in sexual activity,” she said.
In another development, Nancy said her ministry will continue to monitor the family of the younger brother of the late Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, following the court’s decision yesterday to return the child to his father, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari.
She said ongoing monitoring was crucial to ensure full compliance with the conditions set by the social welfare department (JKM), particularly for the safety and wellbeing of the six-year-old.
“There are 14 strict conditions that must be met in the best interests of the boy, including not leaving him unattended, protecting him from any form of neglect or abuse, and ensuring he receives appropriate education and therapy.
“JKM officers will conduct periodic monitoring, including home visits, to ensure the child’s actual care arrangements comply with all stipulated requirements.
“The boy also cannot be featured on social media, and the family must inform JKM of any change of address. If any of the conditions are breached, JKM has the authority to take the child back and place him under protection,” Nancy said, according to Bernama.
She added that any action to reclaim the child due to a breach of conditions must be brought before the court for further assessment by the protector and a decision by the magistrate.