Sweet treats: Members of PPPM marching in with tins of Girl Guides Cookies during its launch in Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with PPPM’s 108th anniversary. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Members of the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia (PPPM) have been urged to engage more with young people and advise them against activities that can lead to harmful consequences, says Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
The PPPM president said this is crucial as technological advancements bring about new challenges, including exposure to online scams, cyberbullying, inappropriate websites, and online sexual harassment.
Dr Wan Azizah, who is also the Prime Minister’s wife, said the association must continue nurturing responsible, courageous and capable individuals in facing life’s challenges.
“We have raised generations instilled with discipline and strong leadership qualities, emphasising balanced character development mentally, physically and spiritually.
“PPPM has also equipped members with practical skills such as first aid, basic life skills and environmental knowledge.
“Despite the vastly different life challenges today compared to the past, PPPM’s 108-year presence in Malaysia is a testament to its enduring relevance and adaptability,” she said at the PPPM’s 108th- anniversary celebration and the launch of the PPPM Cookies Fundraising Sale 2024 here yesterday, Bernama reported.Also present at the event were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and PPPM chief commissioner Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng.
Dr Wan Azizah said that according to statistics from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), an average of 10 cases of cyberbullying are believed to have occurred daily since 2022.
During this period, MCMC received 9,483 reports of cyberbullying, with 4,878 cases involving women and 4,605 involving men.
“Due to the seriousness of cyberbullying, the Online Safety Bill 2024 will be tabled in the near future. Let us pray for the success of this noble government initiative to protect all citizens without discrimination, especially children,” she said.
