Hai Anis: a film on online grooming in Malaysia ^{CEFR B2}

Hai Anis, a film by Azura Nasron, has opened public discussion in Malaysia about online grooming. EngageMedia published the film and an interview, and Global Voices republished them, helping the work reach wider audiences. Nasron says the film is a response to real cases in which teenagers were groomed and then failed by schools, families and hospitals that should have provided protection.

She describes how survivors were often dismissed, silenced or treated as the problem instead of being supported. Nasron explains that grooming frequently begins with small acts of kindness and attention; predators may present care and understanding, so the danger is not obvious to young people. To make the film effective, she avoided a didactic tone, learned the language and humour of Gen Alpha, and balanced difficult material with realistic moments so young viewers can recognise risks without feeling judged.

Nasron sets clear priorities: stop blaming children and survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, teach digital safety and consent as core school subjects, and enforce laws that focus on prevention as well as punishment. She also links the problem to rising conservatism and patriarchal attitudes, which can hinder challenges to abuse and protection for women and children. The film is already used as an educational tool: Nasron collaborated with Monster’s Among Us (MAU) and the My Body My Rules – Comprehensive Sexual Education programme, reaching three communities in Klang Valley and involving 24 students aged 13–17. A public screening at Gerakbudaya on March 8, 2025 brought activists, students and educators, whose reactions included anger, empathy and calls for action. Nasron says the film can spark conversation, but lasting change will require trained facilitators, resources and stronger implementation of laws and education.