PUTRAJAYA: An action plan to protect children from cyber threats will be drawn up soon since the Cabinet has given its approval for it last month.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the plan was given the nod on Feb 11.
She said the action plan would indicate measures and methods that could be taken by parents and guardians on how to protect their children from cyber threats.
"Technology is very advanced nowadays and most children know how to use the Internet and gadgets.
"This action plan will help to safeguard them from harm as there are many threats in the cyberworld such as identity theft and cyber bullying," Rohani told reporters today.
She said the ministry would be engaging various stakeholders to obtain their feedback and suggestions for the guidelines.
Parents, she added, played an important and crucial role in guiding and teaching their children about the pros and cons of the Internet and cyberworld.
"The action plan will also include protective measures that focuses on advocation, prevention and intervention," Rohani said.
She added a regional conference on child online protection would be held on March 24 and 25 which would see the participation of local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Earlier, the minister had presented appreciation certificates to the team of volunteers from the ministry who helped the victims of the East Coast flood crisis.
She applauded their efforts and said it was a very noble work as many people were affected by the floods that hit several states namely Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Perak in December last year.
More than 234 officers from the ministry and its agencies and departments were involved in the post-floods operation.
The December floods had affected 541,896 victims with the worst hit state was Kelantan.
At the same time, Rohani said volunteers should be provided with proper training and knowledge on how to help others during a crisis.
On another issue, the minister said counselling services were still being offered to the families and next-of-kin of Flight MH370 which was lost on March 8.
She said several families had approached the counsellors to express their worries as they were frustrated and sad.
"The counselling service is available and they are welcome to contact the counsellors anytime if they need someone to talk to.
"This is one of the ways we can help them as the wound is still raw and sensitive for the families," Rohani added.
Flight MH370 was en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing and there were 329 passengers including crew on board. A majority of the passengers were Chinese nationals.