Online Safety Bill Expected in Next Parliament Session, Penal Code Amendments Required

By Loshinniy Nair S. Baskaran,

Kuala Lumpur, 17th August – The Malaysian government is set to introduce the Online Safety Bill during the next parliamentary session. This bill is designed to tackle rising concerns over cybercrimes, including scams, online gambling, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes targeting children.

According to Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, while the bill will provide a framework for addressing these issues, amendments to the existing Penal Code are necessary for comprehensive enforcement.

For instance, the current Penal Code lacks clear definitions for crimes like cyberbullying, which the new legislation aims to cover. Fahmi emphasized that refining these legal definitions and aligning them with the bill’s provisions are crucial for its successful implementation.

He further explained that the bill is being meticulously drafted with the collaboration of various ministries and law enforcement agencies to ensure it addresses all aspects of online safety effectively.

The minister also underscored the importance of public awareness and education in combating cybercrimes, noting that legislation alone will not be sufficient.

Once tabled, this bill could represent a significant step forward in Malaysia’s efforts to safeguard its citizens from the growing threats posed by the digital landscape, as stated in Malaymail.