New Cybercrimes Law Comes into Effect, Criminalizing Online Abuse

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - A Major Step Forward in Combating Online Abuse and Cybercrime

The Malaysian government has introduced a new law aimed at combating online abuse and cybercrime, making it illegal to engage in certain activities on the internet. The new legislation came into effect today, aiming to protect individuals from harmful activities and ensure that those who engage in such behavior are held accountable for their actions.

Criminalizing Online Abuse

The new law makes it an offense for individuals to use computers or computer systems to communicate with minors under the age of 18 years old for the purpose of facilitating child pornography, prostitution, rape, or indecent assault. Additionally, communicating with minors under the age of 16 years old to facilitate abduction, kidnapping, or defilement is also criminalized.

Penalties

Individuals found guilty of such offenses can be fined up to RM100,000 (approximately USD 25,000) and/or imprisoned for a term not exceeding five years. This demonstrates the seriousness with which the Malaysian government views online abuse and cybercrime.

Other Offenses

The legislation also makes it an offense to produce, distribute, or transmit racist or xenophobic material, as well as to insult others on the basis of race, color, descent, nationality, ethnic origin, tribe, or religion. Those found guilty of such offenses can be fined up to RM40,000 (approximately USD 10,000) and/or imprisoned for a term not exceeding two years.

Protection of Confidential Information

In addition, the law makes it an offense for service providers to disclose confidential information without lawful authority, punishable by a minimum fine of RM1 million (approximately USD 250,000).

Enhanced Law Enforcement Powers

The Malaysian government has also given law enforcement agencies new powers to preserve data stored on computers or computer systems in cases where there are reasonable grounds to believe that such data is vulnerable to loss or modification.

Conclusion

The introduction of this new legislation is a significant step forward in combating online abuse and cybercrime in Malaysia. It aims to protect individuals from harmful activities and ensure that those who engage in such behavior are held accountable for their actions. The Malaysian government’s commitment to combating online abuse and cybercrime demonstrates its dedication to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.