Deputy Minister says media plays role in conveying info about new law on online safety
THE newly enforced Online Safety Act 2025 aims to protect children and families, not curb freedom of expression, says Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying.
She said the Government took online safety seriously, particularly where children and families were concerned.
“The Online Safety Act 2025, which came into force on Jan 1 this year, aims to strengthen user protection in the digital space.
“This law is not meant to curb freedom of expression but to ensure that our cyberspace is safer and more responsible,” she said at the Tanjong Media Night held in Penang.
Lim said media practitioners played an important role in conveying accurate information on the intent and scope of the legislation to the public.
“Our roles may differ, but our goal is the same which is to ensure the people receive accurate information and that the country continues to move forward,” she said.
She reiterated the Madani government’s firm stance that technological advancement should not come at the expense of children’s safety and well-being, especially amid growing concerns over cyberbullying, online scams and harmful digital content.
Lim said the media faced increasing pressures, as the rapid flow of information and urgency to break news could lead to misunderstanding or misinterpretation.
“Fair, balanced and contextual reporting is essential to ensure that government’s initiatives and grassroots efforts are properly understood by the public.
“That is why I believe the relationship between the government and the media must be built on trust, openness and two-way communication.
“My ministry is committed to being more transparent and responsive.
“While we may not be perfect, we are always ready to explain policies, answer questions and improve where there are shortcomings, especially when constructive feedback is given.”
The Tanjong MP said development should not be viewed solely in terms of mega projects or economic figures, but also by how well people understood what was being done for them.
“In this respect, the media’s role is indispensable, translating policy language into information that the public can easily understand,” she added.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, who was present, also paid tribute to media practitioners for their role as a vital information link between the government and the people.
He said media coverage over the past year had helped ensure government policies and initiatives were understood at the grassroots level.
“In many situations, the media helps shape the direction of an issue so that it develops in a more positive and constructive way.”
Wong said that while certain policies might affect a small segment of the population, the majority often remained silent.
“In such cases, the media plays a crucial role in bringing forward the voices of this silent majority and helping to balance excessive negative emotions and hence present a more comprehensive picture,” he elaborated.
Wong reminded his Pengkalan Kota service centre team and volunteers to serve the community with humility and sincerity.
“As frontline workers, we remain committed to serving the people wholeheartedly, contributing our energy and effort as a sign of responsibility and trust,” he added.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, representatives from the Padang Kota assemblyman’s service centre, Penang Island City councillors Nicholas Theng and Alan Lim and 100 members of the media fraternity.
