KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Cybercrime Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to address increasingly complex cyber threats in line with digital technological developments.
The Bill was debated by 48 Members of Parliament and was passed via voice vote.
Addressing concerns raised over privacy, fundamental rights and potential abuse of investigative powers, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi assured that the Bill contains clear checks and balances.
He said none of the powers provided under the legislation is absolute or free from oversight and that powers to access computer systems and data cannot be exercised arbitrarily, with investigating officers required to comply with strict legal procedures.
“The Bill does not grant investigators unrestricted access to an individual's computer systems or personal information, as any access is limited to the specific data identified in a written notice.
“It also does not override existing laws protecting sensitive national information, including the Official Secrets Act 1972 (Act 88), and is intended to strike a balance between strengthening cyber security and safeguarding privacy and other legal protections.
"The Bill must be read with Act 88 and should not be interpreted as conferring unrestricted powers to access or disclose information.
"This approach is intended to ensure an appropriate balance between strengthening the nation's cyber security and preserving the confidentiality of information, as well as safeguarding the sovereignty of the institution of the Malay Rulers," he said in his winding-up speech on the Bill in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (July 1).
The Bill is intended, among other things, to repeal the Computer Crimes Act 1997 (Act 563) to ensure that Malaysia can meet its international obligations under the Budapest Convention (Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime) and the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime.
It will also provide regulatory and enforcement powers for addressing increasingly complex cybercrime offences, and expressed confidence that its enactment would improve the national cybersecurity ecosystem and ensure a safer, secure and trustworthy digital environment.
Ahmad Zahid said the Bill is crucial in strengthening the country’s ability to address increasingly complex cyber threats in line with digital technological developments.
“It is designed to close gaps in existing laws, strengthen prevention, detection and enforcement, and ensure the legal system remains relevant to current cyber challenges,” he said.
