police uncover 13‑year‑old involved in creating animated pornographic content
The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) announced that a 13‑year‑old girl was among eight minors arrested in a joint operation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) between 14 and 16 September.…
Source: Astro Awani · September 22, 2026 at 11:02 AM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) announced that a 13‑year‑old girl was among eight minors arrested in a joint operation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) between 14 and 16 September.
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The arrests followed the discovery that some of the suspects had produced and distributed their own animated sexual content online.
Datuk M. Kumar, director of the Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) at Bukit Aman, said the operation, codenamed Ops Pedo Bersepadu 3.0, revealed that the suspects had not only downloaded child sexual abuse material (CSAM) but also created anime‑style animations before selling them via e‑wallets and PayPal. “Some suspects were more creative, producing their own anime before marketing the content,” he told reporters at a media briefing in Bukit Aman on Tuesday.
Kumar added that the youngest suspect was a 13‑year‑old girl. “Investigations found that some children involved learned about these activities through online platforms,” he said. “They often interact in virtual communities with similar interests before sharing materials or information among themselves.”
The police highlighted that social media, unregulated internet access and new technologies such as artificial intelligence could be contributing to the trend. “Parental monitoring is essential because children today are more exposed and adept at using digital technology,” he urged.
Kumar stressed that enforcement alone will not stop online sexual exploitation of children. “We need a sustained effort involving families, schools, NGOs and government agencies to raise moral awareness and online safety,” he said. He described the crime as a critical threat that requires a comprehensive response from all stakeholders to protect victims and prevent further abuse.
The case is part of a broader concern for Malaysia’s digital environment. While the country’s internet penetration reached 87.5 % in 2023, the same connectivity exposes children to unregulated online spaces where exploitation can flourish. The PDRM’s operation follows earlier warnings from UNICEF Malaysia, which noted a rise in CSAM reports linked to social media and gaming platforms. UNICEF said reported incidents had increased by 30 % since 2021, although underreporting remains an issue.
In response, the PDRM has referred the cases to the National Child Protection Unit and is working with SKMM to monitor high‑risk platforms. SKMM has pledged to strengthen its Cyber999 reporting system, which allows the public to flag illegal content. The police also said they would continue to investigate the scale of content seized and the identities of the suspects.
The incident highlights the need for a coordinated approach to online safety in Malaysia’s rapidly growing digital economy. While the government targets significant investment in technology, safeguarding minors from exploitation must remain a priority alongside economic development.
The police have not released further details on the suspects’ identities or the exact amount of content seized, citing ongoing investigations. The operation signals a shift from passive detection to proactive disruption of exploitation networks.
Related: Bukit Aman · Datuk M. Kumar · Kuala Lumpur