By Cyberbullying, which has been rampant since the advent of the internet and especially social media, is increasingly getting out of control.
Seemingly immune in the digital realm, social media users appear emboldened to express views and comments without regard for boundaries.
Moreover, digital platforms enable communication without face-to-face interaction, allowing netizens to misuse social media by issuing hurtful comments that unknowingly wound others.
On July 5th, TikTok influencer Rajeswary Appahu, known as Esha, tragically passed away, believed to have been driven by cyberbullying. This garnered attention from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
However, the focus now shifts to the proposal put forth by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo on Saturday.
Gobind suggested considering a new legislative act to hold social media platform owners accountable for misuse cases, including cyberbullying.
He emphasised the need to send a clear signal that the government is serious about finding solutions to this issue, with all stakeholders playing pivotal roles in achieving this goal.
Gobind, alongside Fahmi and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, raised cyberbullying concerns during Friday’s Cabinet meeting.
Undoubtedly, this proposal will spark significant discussions among stakeholders and the public in our country.
The time has come to address serious issues like cyberbullying through legal frameworks, as the nation transitions into a new digital era, including artificial intelligence (AI).
This will serve as a critical benchmark for the Unity Government’s performance in enforcing laws to ensure those who misuse social media platforms for cyberbullying face appropriate consequences.
MCMC Strengthens Cooperation With Pdrm To Tackle Cyberbullying
On Saturday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) welcomed the announcement by Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil that the Government will review existing laws, including the Penal Code and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998), and consider the need for new legislation to address cyberbullying issues.
This announcement sends a crucial signal that the Government is committed and serious about addressing the problem of cyberbullying, which has led to loss of life. This step will also enable authorities to enforce laws more effectively and bring those involved to court while providing appropriate defence to those affected.
Moving forward, MCMC and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will review standard operating procedures (SOPs) to facilitate the cyberbullying complaint process. Collaboration with PDRM will also be strengthened to ensure the effectiveness of this initiative and its impact on the people.
MCMC and the Ministry of Communications are also planning to organise a nationwide roadshow to spread awareness and modules on preventing cyberbullying across all segments of society, MCMC said in a statement.
