She said according to police data, 31 such cases were recorded in 2020. This rose to 44 in 2021, dropping to 28 in 2022, and spiking back up to 67 in 2023 and 68 in 2024.

“In 2025, we recorded 152 cases. This year alone, 100 cases have been recorded so far,” she said after launching an event celebrating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day and Girls in ICT (WTISD and GICT) 2026 here today.

Teo said Malaysia’s expanded network coverage had facilitated “near universal internet usage”, with 98.4% of men and 97.6% of women online through the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela).

However, she said the growing use of digital platforms had also made CSAM easier to distribute and produce. “We don’t know whether the number of cases recorded by the police is only the tip of the iceberg. I’m very worried that it is,” she said.

The WTISD and GICT 2026 celebration, held at Saujana Hotel and organised by the communications ministry through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, brings together policymakers, industry leaders, international partners, academics, students, and media representatives.

The ministry said it continues to strengthen digital connectivity through initiatives such as Jendela, the rollout of 5G, and the Madani Submarine Cable Connection project.

It said digital empowerment efforts are also being reinforced through the National Information Dissemination Centre, which has nearly 1.9 million registered users, 53% of whom are women.