The Sexual Offences Against Children 2017 Bill has finally been tabled in Parliament, amid concerns that the existing laws have been inadequate in protecting children against sexual predators.

The bill was tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said for its first reading today.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had on March 13 said the bill was intended to address child sexual crimes in a holistic and comprehensive manner and urged all parties to back the proposed law.

The bill defines a child as someone who is under the age of 18.