Nancy: Kids must not be exploited for online content, even by parents

A social media account documenting the relationship between a father and his daughter has drawn backlash from various quarters, with a minister condemning the exploitation of children for online content.

Taking to X, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri responded to a post by another user who had voiced concerns about the supposedly inappropriate content uploaded by the father.

“I take seriously the viral issue of a father managing his daughter’s social media account.

“The act of exploiting children online, even by parents themselves, is inappropriate and unacceptable,” the minister said.

Affirming that children’s safety and well-being remain the ministry’s priority, she also conveyed her gratitude to members of the public who had reported the matter to the Social Welfare Department and the Children’s Development Department.

Alarm over ‘grooming’

Previously, several social media users had expressed discomfort with the content involving a father and his daughter, with some accusing the adult of grooming the young girl under the guise of parental bonding.

Besides the father’s decision to refer to his daughter as his “mini wife (wife kecik)” on social media posts uploaded on accounts under the daughter’s name, netizens also took issue with certain images of the duo in seemingly overly affectionate poses.

Several users also sounded the alarm over how the child is often dressed in “adult-style” fashion, with videos of the girl often featuring her as a model for products such as handbags, high heels, and make-up.

The child can also be seen doing food reviews. 

The father has since issued a statement defending himself, claiming that his daughter had “agreed” to all undertaken projects, with money derived from such sources halved between the girl and charity.

He also asserted that his daughter’s “interest in dressing up” can be traced back to when she would accompany him to work and social events, stressing that he had not “coerced” her into dressing in any particular way.

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