KUALA LUMPUR: Legislation governing artificial intelligence is targeted to be tabled in Parliament late next year, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
The Digital Ministry said a task force of relevant agencies is being formed to oversee drafting, implementation and status updates to the ministry.
“The Bill will be comprehensive and aligned with technological advancements,” it said in a written reply on Thursday (Oct 9).
It said an inclusive approach and strategic cooperation among stakeholders will guide how the Bill is drafted, adding that an in depth review of existing laws will be carried out to identify regulatory loopholes.
“The Bill also emulates steps taken by other countries and aims to provide comprehensive protection to Malaysians,” it said,
The ministry said the National Cyber Security Agency is developing a cybercrime Bill to replace the Computer Crimes Act 1997.
“The Online Safety Act was also passed to empower online safety and covers the spread of libel content, scams and threats to public order,” it said.
The ministry acknowledged the importance of tackling AI misuse, especially deepfakes using a person’s face, voice or body without consent.
It said the new Bill and improvements to existing laws are critical to a safe, responsible and ethical digital space.
“The rights and safety of the rakyat in cyberspace are key to realising Malaysia’s digital aspirations,” it said.
The ministry was responding to Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (Perikatan Nasional‑Tumpat) on plans for legislation to protect against deepfakes.
