Children caught in porn web, murders among major crimes this week [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: The arrest of eight children in a police operation, which also uncovered more than 2.1 million child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and pornography files, was among some of the major crimes reported this week.

The police operation, codenamed Op Pedo 3.0, exposed the disturbing production and sale of CSAM-related videos and animations through closed online groups for between RM50 and RM60.

The arrests prompted Suhakam's Children's Commissioner to call for a child-sensitive approach, saying minors involved in CSAM cases should be assessed separately from adult perpetrators and exploiters, with rehabilitation prioritised where appropriate.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) received 12,529 applications to take down pornographic and CSAM content on social media and messaging services between Jan 1 and Sept 21. Of these, 11,665 pieces of content were taken down and 1,031 websites shut down.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said MCMC would continue strengthening its technical and forensic cooperation with police to track those misusing network services to sexually exploit children online.

Below are some of the crimes reported this week.

CONVENIENT STORES ATTACKED WITH EXPLOSIVES

In Kuching, Sarawak, two men were detained on suspicion of carrying out arson attacks on two 24-hour convenience stores using explosives.

The suspects, aged 40 and 23, have been remanded until Sept 26.

In the first incident at King Centre, a commercial and mixed-development hub, firecrackers were used. There were no reports of losses. The second incident along Jalan Green caused a fire. The men allegedly arrived at the premises and threw an object inside, causing two explosions and the fire.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the two attacks involved a similar modus operandi, with masked men in dark clothing throwing objects believed to contain explosive or flammable materials into the premises.

Police examined CCTV footage and analysed materials recovered from the scenes to determine whether the incidents were connected.

Investigators were also looking into allegations that the outlets were selling online gambling top-ups, with authorities considering possible action against their business licences if the claims were substantiated.

5 HELD OVER MURDER OF MYANMAR

Five men were arrested in Kota Baru, Kelantan, over the murder of a 18-year-old Myanmar refugee.

The victim was found lying unconscious with a slash wound to his neck at a workers' dormitory near a Muslim cemetery in Taman Desa Kujid, Panji.

Police found a machete believed to be the murder weapon and arrested five suspects - a local and four Myanmar refugees.

They also seized a Mitsubishi Triton and four mobile phones while police continue the probe to ascertain the motive for the murder.

THREE FOREIGN STUDENTS IN MURDER PROBE

In Ipoh, Perak, police arrested three foreign students to assist in an investigation into the death of a 53-year-old man in Kampung Kuchai.

Police said the victim was discovered by members of the public in an open area in Kampung Kuchai with facial injuries.

He was rushed to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, where he received treatment for several days before being pronounced dead on Sept 22.

In follow-up operations, police arrested three private university students, aged 17 to 20, at their homes in Ipoh to facilitate the investigations.

Post- mortem checks found that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. Police are investigating the relationship between the victim and the three suspects, as well as the motive for the alleged attack.

MAN, SON ARRESTED FOR DISABLED WOMAN'S MURDER

In Kuala Kangsar, Perak, a 49-year-old disabled woman was found dead at her home in Kampung Cheh Hilir. Her husband and their 15-year-old son were detained to facilitate investigations.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding between the victim and the suspects.

The victim, who lived with her husband and three children, was found lying face down and unconscious in the living room, covered in blood and suffering from stab wounds.

Her 44-year-old husband reportedly heard her calling for help after she complained that someone had stabbed her leg with a sharp object beneath their wooden house.

Villagers later helped search for the couple's 15-year-old son, who was found hiding in an oil palm plantation. Police also seized a knife believed to have been used in the incident at the scene.