GEORGE TOWN: The Communications Ministry is actively working to create a safer digital environment in this country including taking significant steps through amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), said Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching.
She acknowledged that while artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to drive remarkable advancements, it can also be misused for privacy invasions, fraud or the spread of harmful content.
"Last Monday, we tabled the amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 in Parliament, which will likely be debated starting this coming Monday.
"These amendments introduce tougher penalties for crimes such as child exploitation and fraud, including online scams,” she said in a speech at the launch of NationGate’s latest AI server here on Thursday (Dec 5).
Also present were Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, Penang Local Government, Town, Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, and NationGate Holdings Berhad managing director Datuk Ooi Eng Leong.
In her speech, Teo said that the ministry is preparing to introduce the Online Safety Bill to address pressing challenges like cyberbullying and other online threats.
"Together with the regulatory framework for social media and internet messaging services, set to be enforced on Jan 1, 2025, these measures will hold platforms like Meta, TikTok, and X accountable for ensuring user safety, protecting children and limiting harmful content,” she explained.
However, the deputy minister stressed that legislation alone is not enough and that collective efforts are needed to ensure that AI and the internet become forces for good, requiring the responsible, ethical use of technology by governments, corporations and individuals alike.
Touching on NationGate’s latest AI server, Teo noted that it is a vital step in a broader effort contributing to a resilient and impactful digital economy.
She also pointed out that over the past two years, Johor has attracted over 50 data centre projects, including major investments from ByteDance and Microsoft.
"In just five years, Johor’s data centre capacity has grown by an astounding 100 times, generating over 40,000 jobs in the process.
"Malaysia indeed holds several key advantages that position us ahead of our regional counterparts in attracting technology investments,” she added. - Bernama
