Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil has announced that the government is looking at the need for a new law to combat cyberbullying. The minister noted that this law will need to focus on changes in communication mediums in the future, while also suiting current needs.
The announcement was made at the Dewan Rakyat following a discussion between relevant ministries and agencies. Among those who were present include Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Digital Minister Gobind Singh.
Fahmi said that the ministry is working to better address cyberbullying so that perpetrators can be punished accordingly. At the moment, the minister says that Sections 503 and 509 of the Penal Code [Act 574], as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588] are existing provisions that can be used against cyberbullies.
This comes following the apparent suicide of influencer Rajeswary Appahu, also known as Esha, following abusive content by welfare homeowner P. Shalini via the TikTok account “alphaquinnsha”. Earlier this week, the latter pleaded guilty and was fined RM100 by the Magistrates’ Court under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955. Said fine was the maximum amount for the offence.
(Source: Bernama, Malay Mail)
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