An interview with filmmaker Azura Nasron about online grooming in Malaysia

September 10, 2025

Azura Nasron's film "Hai Anis" confronts the hidden issue of cyber grooming in Malaysia by exposing how predators manipulate vulnerable youth online. In an interview with Izzah Dejavu for EngageMedia, Nasron reveals her personal experiences with cyber grooming and discusses the challenges of creating authentic content that resonates with younger generations while addressing sensitive topics. Nasron emphasizes that predatory behavior often disguises itself as genuine care and attention, making it difficult for victims to recognize danger.

Who is affected

Malaysian youth, particularly young girls and teenagers vulnerable to online grooming
Survivors of digital exploitation who are often silenced, blamed, or dismissed
Families and educators who lack adequate resources to address these issues
Communities affected by cultural taboos around sex education and consent
Generation Alpha growing up in a digital environment with different communication patterns

What action is being taken

Azura Nasron has created the film "Hai Anis" to raise awareness about cyber grooming tactics
The film is being screened at educational programs like "My Body My Rules – Comprehensive Sexual Education" across three communities in Klang Valley
Monster's Among Us (MAU) is collaborating with Nasron to educate children about sexual education
Public screenings and discussions are being held at cultural venues like Gerakbudaya bookstore
Nasron is actively engaging with Gen Alpha to understand their digital language and experiences

Why it matters

Cyber grooming remains hidden beneath cultural silence in Malaysia despite being a daily reality
Current institutions often fail victims - schools dismiss them, families silence them, and hospitals treat them like problems
Laws exist but are poorly enforced, with predators understanding internet dynamics better than lawmakers
Rising conservatism and patriarchal structures create environments where predators operate unchallenged
Young people aren't adequately taught to recognize manipulation disguised as care and attention
Cultural expectations for girls to be polite and accommodating make them particularly vulnerable

What's next

Nasron advocates for developing a sustainable network of trained facilitators including educators, parents, police, doctors, judges, prosecutors, and social workers
She envisions using "Hai Anis" as an educational tool backed by resources and engagement
The film aims to spark conversations that shift how Malaysia addresses online exploitation
Nasron emphasizes the need to address the gendered nature of online exploitation
She calls for teaching young people that setting boundaries is appropriate and self-protection is nothing to apologize for

Read full article from source: Global Voices