COMMUNICATIONS Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet in its meeting today (July 19) agreed to set up a special committee to address issues of cyberbullying in the country which will involve several ministries and supported by relevant agencies.
According to Fahmi, who is the unity government’s spokesperson, the special committee will comprise the Communications Ministry, Home Ministry, Digital Ministry and the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).
The committee will also be supported by a special team involving the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Royal Malaysia Police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Bernama reported.
“The Cabinet is of the view that there should be a sterner action against social media platforms in cyberbullying issues,” Fahmi was quoted as saying.
“They (platform operators) cannot just wash their hands, they must be equally responsible for tackling such issues.
“So, we (the committee) will look comprehensively at the legal aspects and (make) amendments (to the laws) as well as any other actions we feel are necessary to deal with the issues of cyberbullying.”
The PKR lawmaker said this after checking out the full rehearsal of the Installation Ceremony of Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia at Istana Negara today.
Elaborating, Fahmi said the setting up of the special committee and the special team was very important because they would be able to utilise all the expertise available in relation to the matter, across ministries and agencies.
“Because the issues of cyberbullying involved new social media platforms, even platforms that have not yet appeared, as well as AI (artificial intelligence) technology.
“So, we need to mobilise all the expertise we have including from the technical aspect to deal with it,” he remarked, adding that they also welcome the cooperation and involvement of other ministries in jointly dealing with the issues related to cyberbullying.
Previously, Fahmi had expressed disappointed with the meagre fine imposed on the owner of a welfare home who was fined RM100 for cyberbullying a TikTok influencer who reportedly took her own life.
Fahmi said the minimal fine would not serve as a deterrent, considering that the crime had allegedly led to someone’s death.
He also said that the government will review existing legislation to ensure penalties commensurate with cybercrimes. – July 19, 2024
Main pic credit: Bernama
