WANITA MCA has urged all parties to take threats to children’s safety seriously, even if they seem “trivial”.

Referring to the “Abang Bas” incident, Wanita MCA secretary-general Chan Quin Er said that while some may dismiss the bus driver’s actions as mere jokes, they reflect early grooming behaviour that could escalate if left unchecked.

“Social media platforms must work with law enforcement to prevent offenders from re-uploading harmful content. There should also be measures in place to monitor flagged accounts and ensure that offenders cannot access them,” she said in a statement.

“Additionally, the government should establish a national database or watchlist for individuals involved in grooming activities, regardless of their conviction status.

“This monitoring should include public comments on related videos, as well as accounts defending the perpetrators.”

Recently, a bus driver who uploaded videos of himself molesting his female students under the TikTok account “Abang Bas” was arrested. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is also investigating his followers who have commented on the clips.

It was reported that a user on X had shared several screenshots of the TikTok posts, in which the bus driver had referred to the students he was transporting as his “crush” and “kesayangan” (beloved).

Chan called for mandatory minimum sentences for offences involving the exploitation or objectification of children on social media.

“Judicial guidelines must ensure that courts do not reduce sentences based on claims such as ‘It was just a joke’ or ‘No harm was intended’ when children are involved.

“These actions are early signs of grooming, and ignoring or defending them is dangerous. We must take this issue with the seriousness it demands.

“The law should also explicitly state that using social media to intimidate or silence those who speak out against harmful behaviours towards children constitutes an additional offence and should result in harsher penalties,” she said, adding that education and psychological support for families and communities are also essential. – September 10, 2024