Viral video highlights dangers of online grooming - Activist

SHAH ALAM - A recent incident involving a bus driver who uploaded videos of young female students has raised awareness about the serious issue of online grooming.

Humanitarian activist Syed Azmi Alhabshi said that the case serves as a valuable lesson, helping people better understand the legal implications of such behaviour.

He stressed the importance of continued advocacy to educate the public about the dangers of grooming.

"Observe the language and gestures in these videos and learn from them.

"I prefer to think that the person who recorded and viewed the videos did so without malicious intent and was unaware of the wrongdoing.

"However, as adults, we cannot use ignorance as an excuse. I understand why recording and viewing such videos is wrong, as it may normalise grooming behaviours in society," Syed Azmi said in a Facebook post on Friday.

Syed Azmi, who is also the founder of PUAKPayong — a non-governmental organisation focused on children under 18 — outlined the need for continuous public education on grooming, beyond merely punishing offenders.

The viral videos, which showed the bus driver recording schoolgirls and describing them as his "crush," sparked widespread outrage.

Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri directed the Department of Child Development (JPKK) to file a police report against the driver.

The bus driver, 24, was subsequently arrested and remanded for five days to facilitate the investigation.