BUTTERWORTH: A special task force comprising four ministries will undertake a comprehensive review before proposing amendments to the Penal Code (Act 574) aimed at combating cyberbullying, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic).

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) said the changes are expected to be tabled in Parliament in October.

She said that her ministry, in collaboration with the Digital Ministry, Home Ministry and Communications Ministry, will first focus on defining cyberbullying.

She said the term had not been explicitly addressed in the country’s legislation before.

To better understand global best practices, she plans to organise an international legal seminar on online threats, drawing insights from countries like Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and Singapore.

This initiative acknowledges the ongoing debate between upholding democratic principles and determining the boundaries of human rights.

“Regarding the issue of cyberbullying, some people argue that they have the freedom to say whatever they like – because unlike physical bullying, it only involves words.

“However, cyberbullying is not a one-time offence. It often includes actions such as swooping, doxxing and intimidation.

“The most damaging aspect is its inflammatory nature, where individuals incite others to foster hatred,” she told reporters after launching the Bukit Mertajam Umno division representatives’ meeting here yesterday, Bernama reported.

Recently, Azalina said that the government through the Legal Affairs Division was considering a proposal to amend the Penal Code to introduce specific provisions for the offence of cyberbullying.

According to her, the proposed amendment will define the term cyberbullying and classify it as a specific offence in Malaysia.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/22/task-force-to-review-penal-code-says-azalina