Kuala lumpur: The Cybercrime Bill 2026, which aims to repeal the Computer Crimes Act 1997 (Act 563), was introduced for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi highlighted the growing threats of cybercrime that now extend beyond computer system breaches and data theft to include identity theft, online fraud, exploitation, ransomware attacks, and the misuse of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Cybercrime Bill 2026 is crucial for addressing these evolving cyber threats. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the Bill seeks not only to replace the existing Computer Crimes Act but also to align Malaysia with international standards as outlined in the Budapest Convention and the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime.
The Bill, to be regulated by the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) under the National Security Council, is structured into eight Parts and 61 Clauses. Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that the Bill's enactment would strengthen Malaysia's cybersecurity framework, ensuring a safer digital environment while supporting the country's digital economic growth and competitiveness.
The Bill's text, now available on the Parliament portal, details various cybercrime offences and related penalties. It highlights offences such as unauthorized computer access, computer-related fraud, identity theft, and the misuse of the National Digital Identity service. Proposed penalties range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.
Clause 10, for instance, addresses unauthorized computer access, with penalties including fines up to RM100,000 and imprisonment for up to three years. Similarly, Clause 13 punishes unauthorized alteration or obstruction of computer data with comparable penalties. Clause 16 targets the falsification of computer data, imposing fines of up to RM500,000 or jail terms of up to seven years for severe cases.
Moreover, Clause 19 outlines penalties for the wrongful disclosure of National Digital Identity passwords, while Clause 24 establishes offences related to the dissemination of intimate images, carrying fines up to RM3,000,000 or imprisonment up to five years. Enhanced penalties are proposed for offences intended to cause embarrassment or harm.
The Cybercrime Bill 2026 is set for its second and third readings on July 1, marking a significant step towards modernizing Malaysia's legal framework to combat cybercrime effectively.