KUALA LUMPUR — The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Children’s Rights (APPGM-CR) have condemned the detention of children under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).
In a joint statement, the groups said minors exploited by terrorist networks should be regarded as victims in need of protection, rather than security threats, highlighting that children recruited through social media and online gaming are often targets of grooming and indoctrination.
While welcoming reports of the children’s release on March 13, Suhakam and APPGM-CR maintained that detaining minors under SOSMA conflicts with Malaysia’s international obligations and the best interests of children.
“The Child Act 2001, which prioritises care, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support, should be the primary framework for addressing children targeted by extremist networks,” the statement added.
The groups warned that SOSMA’s current legal framework lacks child-specific safeguards and judicial oversight essential to the juvenile justice system.
They called on the Prime Minister to impose a moratorium on using SOSMA against children and urged the government to repeal or amend the act during the upcoming July parliamentary session to prevent arbitrary application against minors.
“SUHAKAM and APPGM-CR remain committed to working with the Government and the enforcement agencies to ensure that Malaysia’s counter-terrorism measures uphold human rights and protect the best interest of every child,” the groups said, stressing the importance of a rights-based approach to counter-terrorism. – March 15, 2026