Malaysia closes jurisdictional gaps on child sexual abuse in ‘meaningful reform’

Malaysia has given its courts the power to prosecute some sexual offences against children committed overseas, extending the reach of its law beyond national borders as abuse allegations increasingly cross countries, devices and jurisdictions. But lawyers and child rights advocates say the change will only be as strong as Malaysia’s ability to secure evidence, obtain cooperation from foreign governments and support child victims through complex cross-border cases. The amendment comes amid...