KUALA LUMPURA: Amendments to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code aimed at addressing physical and cyber bullying have come into force.
According to the Prime Minister's Department legal affairs division, the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025 were passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 10, 2024 and in the Dewan Negara on Dec 16, 2024.
It said that the enforcement of both Acts is an ongoing effort by the government to strengthen the country's legal system and to keep pace with current needs and new challenges in the modern criminal landscape.
"The implementation of these two Acts is to streamline legal procedures, improve the efficiency of the criminal justice process and allow for faster and stricter action against those who break the law," it said in a statement on Friday (July 11).
The amendments to both Acts introduce specific provisions that allow for stricter legal action against bullies in line with the government's commitment to protect society, especially vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents and individuals put under mental harassment by bullies.
In addition, the amendments also introduce new sections such as Sections 507B to 507G, which specifically provide for proportionate punishment for offences of threatening, insulting or defamatory communications intended to cause emotional distress or fear to the victim.
"It also includes the offence of distributing personal information without permission or doxing, which is now classified as a serious crime and punishable by up to three years in prison," read the statement.
In addition, the introduction of the special provision stems from a review of the shortcomings in existing laws, which were found to be insufficient to address various forms of psychological and emotional threats in the increasingly challenging digital environment.
The government will also continue to ensure that the enforcement of this law is implemented fairly and equitably without affecting the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution.
"With the implementation of this Act, the Madani Government remains committed to ensuring that the country's laws remain relevant and responsive to the challenges of the digital world in the interest of safety, well-being and justice for all Malaysians," it stated. – Bernama
