Also prohibited is the practice of asking children who testify, questions that are misleading, confusing, discriminating or belittling.

A special hearing for a prerecorded statement by the child witness' examiner-in-chief, the cross-examination and the re-examination will replace the requirement that children attend the trial in open court.

A total of 10 MPs debated the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which was then passed via a voice vote. The amendments to the Act seek to criminalise the live streaming of sex involving children and sextortion.

“These amendments may not solve the issue entirely, but this is our step in telling the people out there that sexual crimes against children will not be tolerated," said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said.

“The culprits will be penalised, regardless if they are family members, friends or acquaintances," she said.

Dato’ Sri Azalina said the amendments to better protect children from sexual crimes, including child witnesses in such cases, were in line with international standards.

Read further on The Star’s article attached.