KUALA LUMPUR: Government agencies will be allowed to share data from this coming Thursday (Feb 20), says Gobind Singh Deo.
The Digital Minister said that the new law was among several legislations recently passed by Parliament to enhance data protection as the nation strives to become a regional data centre hub.
"The ministry has also drafted several laws aimed at strengthening the nation's data and digital regulatory landscape related to data security, protection, innovation and storage.
"Among them are the Cyber Security Act 2024, Personal Data Protection Act 2024 and the Data Sharing Act 2025.
"The Data Sharing Act is expected to be gazetted this Feb 20," he said when answering a question raised by Fathul Huzir Ayob (PN-Gerik) in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Feb 18).
The Data Sharing Act will facilitate data sharing between Federal Government agencies subject to approval by the National Data Sharing Committee.
To ensure that personal data is protected throughout the process, those flouting the law could face a fine not exceeding RM1mil, imprisonment of not more than five years, or both upon conviction.
Gobind also said that the government will unveil the National Cloud Computerisation Policy by the second quarter of this year.
Meanwhile, Gobind said that the Personal Data Protection Commissioner has increased inspections and raiding activities on companies to ensure compliance and that personal data is managed accordingly.
"Inspection activities by the commissioner on the governance of personal data is expected to increase by at least 30% this year compared to previous years," he added.
On raiding activities, Gobind said that the Personal Data Protection Commission is in the process of setting up offices in Sabah and Sarawak, followed by other zones nationwide.
This will improve coordination with regard to raiding activities conducted by the commissioner.
Earlier, Gobind informed the House that Malaysia had attracted RM114.7bil in investment to develop data centres.
