MCMC investigated 269 cases from Jan to Sept

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) investigated 269 cases involving various offences under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988 (Act 588) from January to Sept 30.

Communications and Multimedia Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Jailani Johari said of these, 146 cases were investigated under Section 233 of the Act.

“A total of 56 investigation papers were opened and will be submitted to the AttorneyGeneral ‘s Chambers for charges to be preferred and the rest are still being investigated,” he said in the oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was replying to Dr Ismail Daut (BN-Merbok) who wanted to know the number of cases under Act 588 recorded this year and if the government was planning to improve the Act.

Jailani said for the moment, the government felt that existing laws under Act 588 were sufficient to tackle offences committed in the communications and multimedia industry, especially in connection to internet and social media abuse.

He said if there were any constraints to the powers of the MCMC, action could be taken under current laws by other enforcement agencies.

He added that these included the Sedition Act 1948, Copyright Act 1987 and the Computer Crimes Act 1997.