The decision comes two weeks after a TikTok influencer committed suicide due to online harassment and death threats.
According to Malaysian Law Minister Azalina Othman Said, the government is drafting amendments to the criminal code to include specific provisions on cyberbullying, as the current law does not provide sufficient legal protection for victims of cyberbullying.
Ms. Azalina said: "The proposed amendments would classify cyberbullying as a specific criminal offense in Malaysia. In addition, it would provide a definition of cyberbullying."
The minister said the government is also drafting a new law that would hold online service providers accountable for managing security issues and cyberbullying, particularly harmful content involving child victims.
The Malaysian government is cracking down on cybercrime and penalizing internet service providers over cybersecurity concerns. (Image: Shutterstock)
Earlier on July 5th, Rajeswary Appahu, an online influencer known for her beauty content and positive message, was found dead at her home, a day after she filed a police report about online death threats and sexual assault.
The two suspects pleaded guilty in separate courts in Kuala Lumpur on July 15 to posting offensive remarks on TikTok directed at the 29-year-old influencer.
According to local media, truck driver B Sathiskumar, one of the two suspects, pleaded guilty to making obscene remarks with the intent to hurt others.
The suspect faces a fine of up to 50,000 ringgit (US$10,700), or a maximum of one year in prison, or both. The court has postponed sentencing while awaiting trial on a second charge of posting obscene comments insulting the victim's mother.
The second suspect, Shalini Periasamy, pleaded guilty to using vulgar language to incite anger. Shalini had posted a video of herself threatening Rajeswary on her personal TikTok account. Shalini was ordered to pay the maximum fine of 100 ringgit for her offense, which is considered a misdemeanor.
Rajeswary reportedly complained about ongoing abuse on the social media platform, including being harassed by viewers of her livestreams.
TikToker Rajewary Appahu, who committed suicide after being harassed online. Photo: Instagram/_rajeswaryappahu
This issue was also placed on the agenda of the Malaysian Parliament , where deputies pointed out that cyberbullies should not be held accountable for offensive posts that could lead to suicide, as in Rajeswary's case. The deputies also called on the Malaysian government and authorities to take action.
Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated in an X-rated post on July 15th that between 2022 and July 9th of this year, approximately 10 cyberbullying incidents occurred daily in Malaysia.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government is pressuring tech giants like TikTok and Meta, the owners of Facebook and Instagram, to come up with plans to control offensive content related to sensitive issues of race, religion, and royalty.
Ngoc Anh (according to SCMP)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/malaysia-se-hinh-su-hoa-hanh-vi-bat-nat-tren-mang-sau-vu-tiktoker-tu-tu-post303642.html
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