PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed concern over cyberbullying on social media platforms.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the matter was conveyed during this morning's cabinet meeting.
"Accordingly, the prime minister has instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police to take stern action to curb cyberbullying," told reporters during his weekly press conference today.
The issue of cyberbullying surfaced after the alleged suicide of a social media influencer in Gombak Setia, Selangor, recently due to the pressure and depression following her recent experience as a victim of cyberbullying.
Fahmi said he had informed the cabinet of the three steps that will be taken to address cyberbullying.
"We will examine amendments to the existing laws, including the Penal Code and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, as well as related acts.
"The ministry will also scrutinise if there is a need to enact a new law."
He said previously, a survey on cyberbullying was conducted. However, the previous government decided not to proceed with it.
"I have received feedback from the ministry's policy department and we will re-look into the survey and see if it is suitable for us to bring it to Parliament, or if it needs improvement."
"Fahmi said to address the issues faced by the complainants, the MCMC and the police have agreed to streamline the reporting process for the complainants.
"Sometimes, when complainants want to lodge a report with the police, they are told to lodge the report with MCMC instead, and vice versa. The MCMC and the police have identified this problem.
"Therefore, the MCMC and the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will make it easier for the complainants to lodge the report."
Fahmi added his ministry is planning to hold a national campaign to enhance online safety.
"Among the modules will be on cyberbullying. We aim not only to address cyberbullying but also to promote safer internet use, overall.
"We will work with the relevant ministries on this, including the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, the National Unity Ministry and the Home Ministry."
Asked about the feedback from the ministers during the meeting, Fahmi said some of the ministers also shared that they were the victims of cyberbullying.
"They also expressed concerns about fake accounts, where through these fake accounts, those behind it can say whatever to whoever they want without any repercussion.
"Many ministers believe that many people have become victims of cyberbullying and suffer in silence. We (the Communications Ministry) will see how we can reduce the existence of fake accounts, and subsequently reduce cyberbullying."