Amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, aimed at creating a safer internet ecosystem, come into effect today. The amendments were passed by the Dewan Rakyat last December and include stricter penalties for online offences, particularly those involving children.
The amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 come into effect today after being gazetted on February 7. In a statement today, the Ministry of Communications said the amendments, passed by the Dewan Rakyat last December, aim to create a safer and more sustainable internet ecosystem for users.
On December 9, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2024 through a bloc vote, with 59 Members of Parliament in favour, 40 against, one abstaining, and 122 absent. Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil, in winding up the debate on the Bill, emphasized that Section 233 of Act 588 was retained to prevent network misuse, particularly for commercial purposes such as the sale of pornographic and paedophilic content. The amendment to Section 211 does not apply to the general public but specifically to licensed Content Applications Service Providers (CASPs). The penalties under this section have been revised to reflect current developments. In addition, the amendments introduce stricter penalties, including a maximum prison sentence of five years, a fine of up to RM500,000, or both, for offences involving children under the age of 18. Key changes in Section 211 include replacing the words 'offensive content' with 'indecent content, etc', deleting the words 'or other persons using a content application service' from Section 211(b)(1), and replacing the word 'offensive' with 'grossly offensive'. Meanwhile, Section 211(c) replaces the term 'any person' with 'content application service provider' and substituting the words 'fifty thousand' to 'one million'. The Communications Ministry also said that last year, online crime cases surged to 35,368, resulting in losses exceeding RM1.5 billion. This affirmed the timely implementation of these amendments. The ministry urged Malaysians to support these efforts and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their families from online threats. — Bernam
Communications And Multimedia Act Amendments Internet Safety Online Crime Penalties
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
DOE reviews Environmental Quality Act 1974 for amendmentsThe amended act is expected to be tabled in Parliament for final approval in the fourth quarter of this year.
Read more »
Act to Curb Online Fraud, Says MinisterThe Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2024 (Act 588) is expected to curb online criminal activities and fraud, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He emphasized that his ministry will work closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police to effectively address this issue. The bill aims to improve existing provisions and introduce new ones to combat online harm, particularly on social media. It also includes a ban on unsolicited commercial electronic messages (spam), which often facilitates fraud. \The King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim, expressed concern over the growing culture of slander and incitement online during the opening ceremony of the Parliament session. He urged the government to take a strong stance against this trend, as it can lead to division and hostility among the people. The King also reminded the public to remain vigilant against cybercrimes like online financial fraud, scams, and identity theft.
Read more »
Malaysian King Approves Seven New Laws Passed by ParliamentSultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has consented to seven laws passed during the Third Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament. The laws include the Supply Act 2025 (Budget 2025), Finance Act 2024, and various amendments to existing legislation covering taxation, healthcare, communications, and water services. The Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, reminded MPs to set a positive example and demonstrate political maturity during the session.
Read more »
Govt rules out amendments to protect whistleblowers who go public firstKUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — The government has no plans to amend the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) to protect individuals who make public disclosures before reporting to...
Read more »
Selangor Police to Charge Seven Over Military-Style Uniform AttireSeven individuals, including a non-governmental organization (NGO) leader, will be charged for wearing military-style ceremonial attire at an event in Sungai Buloh, Selangor. Police seized 18 garments, badges, insignia, and accessories during investigations. The charges are based on Section 140 of the Penal Code, Section 50(3) of the Societies Act 1966, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
Read more »
Kelantan to table amendments to state Shariah Criminal Code in July, says deputy MBKOTA BARU, Jan 12 — Amendments to the Shariah Criminal Code Enactment (1) Kelantan 2019 will be tabled this July, says Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Fadzli...
Read more »