New Cybercrime, Road Transport Bills tabled for first reading, set for debate


KUALA LUMPUR: The Cybercrimes Bill 2026 and the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026 have been tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (June 22), with both set to be debated during the current parliamentary sitting.

In a statement, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Cybercrimes Bill 2026 would be tabled for second and third readings on July 1.

The proposed law seeks to repeal the Computer Crimes Act 1997 and enable Malaysia to meet its international obligations under the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, also known as the Budapest Convention, and the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime.

Ahmad Zahid said the bill would provide regulatory and enforcement powers related to cybercrime and would be overseen by the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) under the National Security Council in the Prime Minister’s Department.

He said cybercrime threats today extend beyond unauthorised access to computer systems and data theft, encompassing identity theft, online fraud, exploitation, ransomware attacks and the misuse of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

“As such, the Cybercrimes Bill 2026 is important to prevent and combat increasingly complex cybercrime,” he added.

The bill comprises eight parts and 61 clauses aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to address increasingly sophisticated and complex cybersecurity threats.

The legislation aims to improve Malaysia’s cyber security ecosystem and ensure a safer, more secure and trusted digital environment.

“Through a more sustainable legal framework, (the bill) will not only provide comprehensive protection for the people, but also support the growth of the digital economy, encourage innovation and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness at the regional and global levels,” Ahmad Zahid said.

Meanwhile, the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026 was also tabled for its first reading by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and is expected to proceed to second reading during the current parliamentary meeting.

Among other provisions, the bill will criminalise illegal racing and “tonto” activities, introduce higher penalties for repeat offenders, and regulate the use of e-scooters and hoverboards.

 

 

 

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