Kuala lumpur: The government has established the Online Safety Committee as the highest strategic advisory body to steer the direction of the nation's online safety, in line with the enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2025 [Act 866], which came into force yesterday. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced the formation of the committee, emphasizing its role as outlined under Section 5 of the Online Safety Act.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina highlighted that the committee will function not only as an administrative body but also take on substantive responsibilities. These include advising the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on classifying harmful and priority content, such as child sexual exploitation and financial fraud. The committee is also tasked with determining risk analysis methods and mitigation strategies to protect users from online harm.
Additionally, the committee will assess the effectiveness of complaint mechanisms and monitor enforcement against content that breaches the law. It will engage in technical research and expert analysis on emerging cybercrime trends, including the misuse of artificial intelligence technology and the use of deepfakes.
The committee comprises nine members appointed for a three-year term beginning yesterday and ending on December 31, 2028. These members come from diverse backgrounds in the public sector, private sector, and civil society. Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim has been named chairman, with Datuk Lim Thean Shiang as deputy chairman. Other members include Barhoum Abe Abed, Mohd Kasyful Azim Ab Rahman, Dr Ruzimi Mohamed, Datuk Zurkarnain Mohd Yasin, Thiyagu Ganesan, Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, and Wathshlah Naidu, all of whom possess experience and expertise related to online safety.
Azalina further reiterated the MADANI Government's commitment to ensuring freedom of expression while maintaining a focus on public safety, particularly in safeguarding vulnerable groups from online harm.