JOHOR BARU: Protecting children from sexual exploitation is a shared responsibility requiring close inter-agency cooperation, Che' Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Bustamam said today.

The Regent of Johor's consort said children's safety and their best interests must always remain the priority.

"The task of protecting these children must be treated as a shared responsibility, with agencies working closely to ensure vulnerable children are protected and their best interests remain paramount.

"Stronger communication, coordinated action and a clear understanding of each agency's role were crucial in dealing with cases involving the sexual exploitation of children," she said in a royal address.

She was speaking at the the "Multi-Agency Seminar: Strengthening Collaboration in Handling Cases of Sexual Exploitation of Children".