PUTRAJAYA: The public is reminded not to publish images of children involved in criminal proceedings in the media, says Minister in the Department of the Prime Minister (JPM) (Legal and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Picture).
In a post on her official Facebook account, Azalina stated that the act violated section 15(2) of the Child Act 2001, which could lead to criminal charges.
“In relation to recent cases involving children in criminal proceedings, I would like to remind the public of section 15(2) of the Child Act 2001, which prohibits the publication in the media of any photographs of children involved in criminal proceedings.
“Violation of this provision can lead to criminal charges. We must rely on the law and due process when dealing with cases involving children,” she said.
She was referring to the case of a 12-year-old child who was charged with driving without a license at the Sepang Magistrate’s Court on Monday (5 August).
The case attracted widespread attention last month when a one-minute and 49-second video went viral showing a woman holding onto a Perodua Viva driven by a teenager with two children in the car.
On Monday, media reported that the boy pleaded not guilty to charges of driving a Perodua Viva at 7.30pm on July 28 in Taman Putra Impiana, Puchong, Selangor.
The charge is governed by Section 39(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and is punishable under Section 39(5) of the Transport Act 1987, which provides on conviction for a fine not exceeding RM2,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
Judge Muhammad Bukhori Md Ruslan set bail at RM500 and mentioned the case on September 4. – Bernama
