KUCHING, Nov 22 — The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) has requested the Digital Ministry establish a team of experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and natural intelligence (NI) to strengthen the ministry’s child advocacy programme implemented in schools nationwide.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the request was submitted to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo during a Cabinet meeting yesterday, in view of the urgent need to provide school students with comprehensive exposure to the differences between AI technology and the NI they have as humans.
“We have a child advocacy programme in schools, but it still lacks content on AI and NI. Many children are involved in online games and are heavily influenced by the AI elements embedded in these games.
“We want them to understand that AI is artificial, while they themselves possess natural intelligence, so we need a team in the country that can support us in this effort,” she said at a press conference after an event in Kampung Salak, Santubong, near here today.
Nancy said KPWKM conducts advocacy programmes in at least 300 schools each year, but the number often exceeds the target due to the programme’s expansion to Children’s Activity Centres (PAKK).
“Although our annual target is 300 schools, we often surpass that number because we also reach out to PAKK and local communities. As of October 3, a total of 327 schools have participated in the programme,” she said.
She added that the cooperation of the Education Ministry (MOE), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and local community networks was crucial to ensuring the programme’s effectiveness.
Commenting on TikTok’s digital safety initiative, the #ThinkTwice Parental Advisory campaign, Nancy said KPWKM supports efforts that help strengthen families’ digital well-being.
The campaign, launched yesterday, aims to help parents monitor teenagers’ digital safety through a collaboration involving TikTok, the Content Forum and MCMC. It forms part of the #ThinkTwice digital literacy initiative, which adopts an evidence-based and community-driven approach.
She said KPWKM had also requested that PDRM, through its D11 Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division, strengthen education materials on statutory rape to ensure children clearly understand legal implications.
“Every child has the right to know. We do not want them experimenting without understanding the consequences of engaging in sexual activity,” she said.
Meanwhile, in another development, Nancy said the KPWKM will continue to monitor the younger brother of late Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, following the court’s decision yesterday to return the child to his father, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari.
She said ongoing monitoring is crucial to ensure full compliance with the conditions set by the Social Welfare Department (JKM), particularly for the safety and well-being of the six-year-old.
“There are 14 strict conditions that must be met in the best interests of the boy, including not leaving him unattended, protecting him from any form of neglect or abuse, and ensuring he receives appropriate education and therapy.
“JKM officers will conduct periodic monitoring, including home visits, to ensure the child’s actual care arrangements comply with all stipulated requirements.
“The boy also cannot be featured on social media, and the family must inform JKM of any change of address. If any of the conditions are breached, JKM has the authority to take the child back and place him under protection,” she said.
Nancy added that any action to reclaim the child due to a breach of conditions must be brought before the court for further assessment by the protector and a decision by the magistrate.
