SHAH ALAM - The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry takes seriously the issue involving a teenage actress who claims to be a victim of sexual abuse by her own father.
Its deputy minister Datuk Seri Zailah Mohd Yusoff said the ministry had referred the matter to the police and that it was under observation.
"If this is true, it is a serious issue and parents should not just stand and watch if it has anything to do with child abuse.
"I also want to inform that those who just stand and watch rather than report child abuse knowing what was happening, will face punishments in accordance with the amendment of the Child Act 2001, which was approved in 2016," she said.
She said this after officiating the combat online sexual crimes against children campaign here on Tuesday.
Siti Zailah said the ministry hoped that appropriate measures will be taken if what was being said was true and justice will prevail.
Recently, a teenage actress made a shocking revelation that she had been sexually abused by her father.
The actress' revelation also has garnered attention from minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun.
Rina said she was willing to meet the actress for further investigation.