Urgent need for upgrade in data protection legislation

THE alarming increase in the number of online scams and fraudulent activities in Malaysia can largely be traced to the weak enforcement of our Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA). Due to the absence of severe penalties for violations, many companies exhibit lax adherence to this Act.

Adding fuel to the fire is the burgeoning illicit trade in personal data on dark web forums. Bad actors have found a thriving market for personal information, banking details and more, which are being used to commit identity theft, scams and other cybercrimes.