KUALA LUMPUR: Amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), marking the first proposal for change since the Act’s inception 26 years ago, are scheduled to be tabled in Parliament this Monday. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the proposed changes aim to enhance Section 233, which deals with the misuse of network facilities or services, to curb its improper use.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the amendments will also address issues related to social media, industrial development, and network security. Fahmi stated that the government is planning to introduce the Online Security Bill subsequently and has already revised the definition of a Mule Account. This will be followed by amendments to the Penal Code and the establishment of guidelines for cyberbullying, including crimes such as doxing, which are nearing the final draft stage.
The minister emphasized that these initiatives are designed to make the internet a safer space, particularly for children and families,
with a focus on tackling online harm, online gambling and scams, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children, including paedophilia. Fahmi made these comments during an interaction with reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Communications Carnival in Pantai Dalam.
Also present at the event were Mano Verabathran, the deputy secretary-general (Telecommunication Infrastructure) of the Ministry of Communications, Mazlan Abd Mutalib, senior secretary (Management) of the Ministry of Communications, and Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, the chief executive officer of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).
In response to queries about the registration progress for social media platform licensing, set to commence on January 1, Fahmi stated that he had requested all platform providers to be briefed on the government’s initiatives to bolster internet safety. He emphasized the importance of these platforms understanding the intent behind the amendments to Act 588 and their role in ensuring a safer
internet environment in Malaysia.
When discussing Australia’s recent legislation to restrict social media access for individuals under 16, Fahmi noted that the Malaysian government is observing and evaluating similar international measures. He pointed out that currently, social media platforms generally restrict accounts for children under 13, with some, like WhatsApp, setting the age limit at 16. The government intends to begin with these existing age restrictions and assess their effectiveness before considering additional measures.