In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through Malaysia, a 12-year-old girl created a website to sell explicit content and was earning more monthly than her parents combined, according to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The girl’s alarming choice led her to drop out of school as she felt no reason to continue her education. In an extraordinary twist, she recruited four friends to help manage the site, fueling a disturbing trend among youths.

This group, known as Geng Budak Sekolah (School Kids Gang), operated a WhatsApp group boasting 762 members, all engaged in sharing explicit selfies for sale to paying customers. Authorities took decisive action in 2025, dismantling the gang with assistance from various governmental bodies. However, the involvement of any adults in the WhatsApp group remains under investigation.

Saifuddin highlighted serious concerns regarding the production and sale of sexual content involving minors. He pointed out the complexities in addressing the issue, noting that legal frameworks differ when children are involved in criminal activities. Under the law, minors cannot be tried in open court, complicating enforcement efforts.

"How do we take action? Our laws are varied. If we want to take action against these individuals, Suhakam will argue that they are just children," Saifuddin remarked, referring to Malaysia’s human rights commission. The Child Act of 2001 defines a child as anyone under 18.

The Home Minister stressed the importance of a nuanced approach, pointing out the need to consider the future of the children involved. To effectively tackle such sensitive cases, coordinated efforts from multiple ministries, including Education, Communications, and Women, Family and Community Development, are essential.

This disturbing incident shines a light on a growing crisis in youth exploitation and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect vulnerable children from online dangers.