KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) welcomes the government's announcement to look into amending existing laws including the Penal Code, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and to consider the need to draft or create new acts to deal with the issue of cyberbullying.
MCMC in a statement today said the move sends an important signal that the government is committed and serious in dealing with the problem of cyberbullying that has resulted in loss of life.
"The move will also enable the authorities to carry out enforcement more effectively, in addition to bringing those involved to court and thus providing appropriate defence for those affected," read the statement.
The commission and the police will review the standard operating procedure (SOP) to facilitate the process of filing cyberbullying complaints, it said.
"The synergy with the police will also be strengthened to ensure that this initiative is effective and has an impact on the people.
"MCMC and the Communications Ministry are also planning to organise a series of tours throughout the country to disseminate messages and modules to prevent cyberbullying among all levels of people."
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil yesterday said the ministry will examine amendments to existing laws under the Penal Code as well as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 apart from other related laws in an effort to deal with the problem of cyberbullying on social media platforms.
He said it will also examine if there is a need to create or enact a new act specifi cally for cyberbullying. — BERNAMA