Changes to communications Act to be tabled in March

SUBANG JAYA: The Government hopes the proposed change to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 can be tabled in the next Parliament session in March.

The proposal, which has been reviewed over the past 18 months, is to improve the online environment, including its security aspect.

Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Jailani Johari said views from more than 300 interested parties were sought in the review process.

“We are still working in terms of the details. We have also engaged the Attorney-General’s Chambers. Things are already in the pipeline, so we are doing our best,” he said here yesterday.

Jailani was met after witnessing the signing of a partnership agreement between M Express Sdn Bhd and SkyNet Worldwide Express as well as BOXiT Holdings Sdn Bhd.

Asked on concerns that the amendment would stifle freedom of speech, he said people should not be worried as long as they use the Internet properly and responsibly.

Without the change, presently there were other Acts that could be used against Internet offenders, he said.

Jailani added that the review did not only focus on the penalty clause but also on other areas that needed to be looked at, in line with the development of technology. — Bernama