Attorney General Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah Haji Muhammed Taib has reaffirmed the importance of stronger cross-border cooperation and the prompt preservation of digital evidence to combat online abuse and exploitation of children.
She made the remarks during the plenary session of the 16th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference (CAPGC) at The Empire Brunei on October 22, held under the theme “Protecting Children in the Digital Age: Harmonising Legal Frameworks and International Cooperation”.
Hosted by the Attorney General’s Chambers of Brunei Darussalam, the conference brought together prosecutorial leaders and delegates from China, ASEAN member states, Hong Kong and Macao.
In her address, the Attorney General highlighted the need to bridge legal, procedural and information gaps, stressing the importance of clearer procedures, early communication, continuous training and professional exchanges to enable swifter responses.
The plenary session was co-chaired by the Attorney General and Ying Yong, Chief Grand Prosecutor and Prosecutor General of China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate.
In his keynote address, Ying said prosecutorial authorities in China and ASEAN countries had undertaken extensive practical cooperation since the conference was established in 2004, contributing to regional peace, stability, prosperity and development.
He emphasised the need to strengthen personnel training to ensure both regions had the operational capabilities to address evolving legal and regional challenges.
Solicitor General Dayang Hajah Zuraini Haji Sharbawi led Brunei Darussalam’s delegation and delivered the country’s position during the plenary session.
Participating delegations also shared their national legal frameworks and strategies for protecting children from online exploitation and abuse.
The conference concluded with the signing of a joint declaration reaffirming the participants’ commitment to stronger cooperation, improved legal frameworks, enhanced prosecutorial capacity and greater public awareness to prevent and address online child exploitation, with children’s best interests at the centre of these efforts.