Study being done to enact Online Safety Act, says Deputy Comms Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: A study is currently being conducted to pave the way for the introduction of the Online Safety Act, says Teo Nie Ching (pic).

The Deputy Communications Minister told the Dewan Rakyat that the Cabinet has decided that her Ministry and the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) under the Prime Minister's Department are to carry out a study to enact the Online Safety Act.

"There is a possibility that the Bill may be brought to Parliament in order to get its approval in the next sitting.

"It is currently being done," she said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) during the minister’s Question Time.

Mumtaz had asked the ministry whether it had conducted a study and was prepared to enact online safety legislation similar to the one in Australia.

Australia's Online Safety Act 2021 expands protections against online harm, to keep pace with abusive behaviour and toxic content, noted Mumtaz.

She also wanted to know whether the ministry would accept first information reports made by internet influencers regarding any breaching of laws found on social media.

Teo explained that the relevant enforcement authorities accepted first information reports found online uploaded by various parties when it is uploaded online.

"This is what is being done by the police or any other relevant bodies.

"For the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), when the body finds any content that goes against the law, they will immediately take action without having to wait for a report lodged by any individuals.

"The existing enforcement bodies have the power to do so," she said.