KUALA LUMPUR: High-risk artificial intelligence (AI) systems are set to face stricter safety controls, testing and human oversight under a new Bill expected to be tabled early next year, says Gobind Singh Deo.
The Digital Minister said the government was still currently in the process of drafting the Bill that he said will adopt a risk-based approach.
“The level of controls and obligations will be assessed according to the potential harm of the AI system itself, rather than classifying risks based solely on the industry.
“This is because the use of AI in this context requires stricter regulation due its direct impact on safety, fundamental rights and the well-being of individuals,” he said during Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 5).
He added that the Bill will be designed as a cross-sectoral framework that complements existing laws.
Gobind also said the government is aware of the potential impact of new technologies like AI that could have significant impacts on the economy, society and national administration.
To this, he said the government continues to prioritise safety in the development of these technologies for the people.
“AI development must move in tandem with the enhancement of our ability to control its risks.
“For increasingly powerful and autonomous AI systems, safety controls, testing, monitoring, human oversight, and response mechanisms must be strengthened before their use is expanded,” he said.
Gobind was responding to a question from Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu) on the government’s stance on the global call to slow down AI development to allow for better regulations, frameworks and worker protection plans to be developed first.
The latter also asked whether the government plans to enact a Malaysian AI Act to regulate high-risk AI systems.
