BELIAWANIS MCA has called for the proposal of new legislation or amendments to impose substantial penalties when online thuggery lead directly to loss of life.

The MCA wing’s proposal follows the outrage over the paltry RM100 fine imposed on a welfare homeowner who was convicted for deliberately uttering vulgarities to incite anger and disturb peace which had led to a TikTok influencer taking her own life.

“To be charged and fined under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act which carries a maximum RM100 fine sends a wrong message and could embolden bullies shielding behind the veneer of the digital world,” said Beliawanis MCA national chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen.

“The devastating impact of cyberbullying, exemplified by Esha’s case, necessitates immediate legislative action.”

To recap, welfare homeowner P. Shalini, 35, was charged at the magistrate’s court with an offence linked to the death of social media influencer A. Rajeswary, better known as Esha, who allegedly committed suicide earlier this month.

Shalini, who goes by the TikTok handle @alphaquinnsha, was fined the maximum RM100 for deliberately uttering vulgarities with the intention to stir anger and disturb the peace through a TikTok account this month.

Esha, a Hindu rights activist, was found dead at her residence in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, a day after filing a report about the criminal threats and defamation she had received

“While current Malaysian laws address online harassment and obscenities, they lack provisions for harsher penalties specifically related to cyberbullying resulting in facilities,” Low stated.

“The proposed penalties would include significant fines and prison sentences for offenders, aiming to deter such harmful behaviour and ensure justice for victims.”

Low said legislations also need to emphasise education and prevention efforts to empower and equip individuals, families and communities to recognise, report and combat online thuggery effectively.

“Beliawanis MCA advocates for age-appropriate enhancements in penalties, recognising the varying degrees of accountability based on the perpetrator’s age,” she stressed.

“This approach aims to create safer digital and physical environments by holding cyberbullies accountable for their actions.

“By fostering a culture of respect and digital citizenship, Beliawanis MCA hopes to prevent lives unnaturally cut short, and mitigate the prevalence and impact of online physical and sexual threats and harassments linked with cyberbullying as we endeavour to create safer digital and physical environments for all.” - July 17, 2024 

https://focusmalaysia.my/enhance-legislation-against-cyberbullying-linked-deaths-govt-told/