The cabinet today approved the proposed Child Sexual Crimes Bill 2017, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said.

She said the bill would be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat for the first reading next week.

"This bill is important in addressing the seriousness of sexual crimes against children in Malaysia.

"It is also aimed at increasing protection for children from sexual criminals and in looking after the welfare of children," Azalina said in a statement.

She added that in general, the bill addressed sexual offences against children and the punishments, adding to the existing laws on the offences.

Azalina, who is also Pengerang MP, also expressed her thanks to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak who paved the way to forming a task force to tackle the issue of sexual crimes against children.

She said the success of the National Seminar on 'Child Sexual Crimes: Stop It!' organised by Permata on March 13 and 14 also opened the eyes of many on the need for laws that could provide a healthy and safe environment for children.

In August 2016, the prime minister announced the immediate formation of a task force to look into issues related to sexual crimes, especially rape of children.

Azalina was then appointed chairperson of the Action Committee on sexual crime against children.

- Bernama