KUALA LUMPUR: Two Bills were tabled in Parliament on Monday (Dec 2) to amend cyber laws to tackle criminal activities on social media, including the spread of fake news.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil tabled the Communication and Multimedia (Amendments) Bill 2024 and the Communication and Multimedia Commission (Amendments) Bill 2024 in Dewan Rakyat for their first reading.
The Amendments aim to update the current cyber laws, which were enacted 26 years ago, to address the growing online threats due to technological advancements.
Among the main points of focus in the Amendments is the effort to combat online criminal activities, including the dissemination of false information, particularly given the increasing use of technology.
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Another amendment includes changing the term "jelik" (offensive) to "jelik melampau" (grossly offensive) under Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.
Other amendments involve enhancing the powers concerning seizable offences related to paedophilia and pornographic online content.
Also the penalties for several offences will be increased to between a maximum fine of RM1mil and or jail term not exceeding 10 years including a maximum fine of RM500,000 fine or jail term not exceeding five years jail.
Victims of online fraud and scams will also be able to bring a civil suit against perpetrators for damages irrespective if the perpetrators are charged with a criminal offence.
Network providers and content application services providers can also be suspended if they do not adhere to written directive given by the MCMC or Communications Minister.
Commercial spamming is also now an offence.
Fahmi told Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Alice Lau that the Amendments to the Bills are expected to be passed during this Parliamentary meeting, which ends on Dec 12.
