KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat today passed a bill to amend several provisions to the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which will provide additional protection for children.
The bill was earlier tabled for second and third reading by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
It was passed via voice vote after 10 lawmakers debated on it today.
Azalina said it was important for the bill to be amended to keep up with advances in technology, while providing the necessary protection for children against all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Several amendments were tabled and passed including those allowing children to appear in court as witnesses and increasing the age of child witnesses from 16 to 18 years old.