In a recent Instagram post highlighted in The Star, the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) drew urgent attention to a critical issue that continues to affect communities globally: sexual grooming. This topic demands awareness, as it often unfolds in subtle ways that can be difficult to recognise until it is too late. Malaysia is not exempt from this, and we must stop overlooking offences or dismissing early warning signs.

It’s crucial to recognise the early warning signs of grooming, which may begin with excessive or inappropriate physical affection, such as hugging or touching that feels uncomfortable. These seemingly harmless acts often escalate over time into more manipulative behaviours. Groomers exploit their victims' vulnerabilities, particularly targeting those from complex backgrounds who may be more easily lured into what they perceive as genuine relationships, especially when there is a significant age gap.

Sexual grooming is not a sudden act of violence but a slow, calculated process that exploits vulnerable children. Unlike other forms of abuse, it often begins with what appears to be affection, mentorship, or genuine friendship. Over time, however, the true harmful intent becomes clear.

According to WAO, grooming unfolds in five stages. First, the groomer selects a vulnerable target. They then build trust, often by befriending the child or their family. Next, they foster emotional dependence, making the victim feel special or loved. The groomer then desensitises the victim, introducing inappropriate behaviours and isolating them from others. Finally, the groomer initiates exploitation, using fear, guilt, or shame to ensure silence.

As adults, we have a responsibility to remain vigilant and recognise the signs of grooming. It is essential that we understand the subtle and often deceptive stages of this process to protect children from harm. This requires not only educating ourselves but also creating an environment in which children feel safe to disclose their experiences.

In Malaysia, there have been instances where sexual grooming cases were overlooked or dismissed as harmless. A notable example is the widely discussed case in September 2024 involving the ‘abang bas,’ where a person took videos of children and uploaded them to his TikTok account. Such cases highlight the need for a shift in societal attitudes. We must stop normalising or defending behaviours that may seem harmless but are, in fact, part of a grooming process or other equally exploitative and harmful behaviour.

It’s crucial that we all take responsibility in recognising the signs of grooming and actively protect vulnerable children in our communities. By staying informed and vigilant, we can ensure that these manipulative behaviours are spotted early, preventing further harm and offering support to those who need it most.

Ivone Low Yi Wen
Beliawanis MCA National Chairperson

7 May 2025

-MCA Comm-