Minister: MMU to study need for anti-cyberbullying laws

The Communications and Multimedia Ministry has appointed Multimedia University (MMU) to conduct research on anti-cyberbullying laws, says minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.

He said the research would be completed within six months.

“Cyberbullying is a crime that must be dealt with immediately. Currently, Malaysia has laws relating to the cyberworld but there is no specific law on cyberbullying,” he said.

Saifuddin said the research would involve studies whether Malaysia needed a special Act related to cyberbullying, as implemented in Singapore, the Philippines and some developed countries, as well as looking at the implementation of anti-cyber laws in other countries.

He said it would involve consultations with stakeholders including the Attorney General’s Chambers, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, CyberSecurity Malaysia and Malaysian Bar.

“After six months, if all parties are convinced that the country needs anti-cyberbullying laws, then the content, the types of offences and punishment that will be contained in the Act will be detailed,” he added.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said in a discussion with MMU yesterday that the ministry and the university had agreed to collaborate in implementing a digital media user literacy campaign to encourage netizens in Malaysia to use their devices ethically and to be aware of their rights. — Bernama