By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 19: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is considering legal reforms and enhanced outreach programmes amid growing concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) by school students to create manipulated explicit images.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said while advocacy and educational initiatives are already being conducted in schools, more needs to be done to keep pace with emerging digital threats.
“We do go to schools, but we need to enhance the knowledge of those involved in our programmes so they stay aligned with current developments,” she told reporters during the Majlis Ramah Mesra Kasih held at Wisma Sabati here today.
Her comments came in response to the recent arrest of a 16-year-old boy in Johor on April 8, 2025, for allegedly creating and selling deepfake pornography by superimposing the faces of real women and girls onto explicit images without their consent.
Nancy added that she has directed ministry officers to review existing laws to determine what amendments or improvements may be necessary, especially following feedback from advocacy groups.
“I’ve asked officers to examine our legal framework to see what more can be done. For example, we’ve received comments from Sisters in Islam, and we welcome such feedback to help us identify areas for improvement,” she said.
She also revealed that the ministry plans to hold a brainstorming session soon to explore ways to improve government responsiveness and efficiency in tackling such issues.
“InshaAllah, we will organise a brainstorming session to strengthen our capabilities—if there are areas where we’re seen as lacking. We want to discuss what else is needed beyond current advocacy and parenting programmes,” she said.
Nancy also highlighted the importance of expanding outreach, especially in rural areas where access to information and resources is more limited.
“In urban areas, there are many programmes and people have options. But rural communities need more support, especially parents, so we can help them understand how to manage these emerging issues and inform them about the services available,” she added.
Asked about the timeline for the session, Nancy said no date has been set as discussions are still at an early stage.
“We don’t have a timeline yet. Let us return to the office and follow up. We’ve had some spontaneous discussions with officers, and more will come.
“This will involve not just our ministry, but also other relevant agencies, including those overseeing AI and social media,” she emphasised. — DayakDaily
