KUALA LUMPUR: A law on the responsible use of artificial intelligence is being drafted, says Gobind Singh Deo.
The Digital Minister said the move shows the government’s commitment to a law based-regulatory framework and stronger AI governance.
“Such an approach safeguards the nation’s cybersecurity while maintaining public and investor confidence in Malaysia’s digital agenda,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 8).
At the same time, Gobind said the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics Guidelines provide a framework based on seven principles, including fairness, safety, transparency and human well-being.
He said this in reply to Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH ‑Bandar Tun Razak) on strategic measures to ensure cybersecurity amidst a rise in weaponised AI scams.
On weaponised AI, Gobind said CyberSecurity Malaysia has recorded several incidents.
These include deepfake scams used for sexual extortion and identity impersonation.
He added that there is also an increase in scams where syndicates use AI to craft convincing messages or calls and mimic voices to deceive family and friends.
“In personal data threats, AI is used to process and exploit leaked data from cyberattacks, making it easier to target individuals,” he added.
Gobind said the government has enforced the Cyber Security Act 2024 to protect National Critical Information Infrastructure.
He added that measures are in place to address rising scams involving weaponised AI technology.
The government has also strengthened the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024 by introducing mandatory data breach reporting.
Gobind said the government is drafting the Cybercrime Bill to replace the Computer Crimes Act 1997.
He said the law will be the principal legislation against cybercrime under the National Cyber Security Agency.
Yesterday, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the government is drafting the new cybercrime Bill to curb online offences.
He said gaps between existing laws and current cybercrime realities hinder effective enforcement against syndicates.
In July, National Cyber Security Agency chief executive Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said the Bill is expected to be tabled in October.
