PETALING JAYA: The government is conducting a three-month study to identify any amendments or additions to existing laws to comprehensively tackle online crime, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) said on Wednesday (Dec 20) that she chaired a joint meeting between stakeholders including Bank Negara, the police and the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC).
She added that the meeting was to identify the challenges and laws available to ministries and agencies relating to online crime as well as to identify comprehensive legal measures to combat such crimes.
Azalina then said that the unity government will conduct a comprehensive study, including comparative studies and public consultations, over three months starting January 2024 through the Legal Affairs Division (under the Prime Minister's Department) and the NFCC.
She added that the study with the cooperation of local academics will be done “ in order to reach to a clear policy decision on the amendments (of current laws) and tabling of new ones regarding procedures and powers to comprehensively combat online crimes."
Azalina added that as of Nov 30, reported losses from online crimes have reached RM177,339,234.73.
A total of 8,213 reports have been lodged to respective authorities and agencies and 529 bank accounts holding a combined value of RM65,939,700.51 have been frozen.
