KUALA LUMPUR: The Social and Economic Research Initiative (Seri) has called for urgent legal reforms to enhance protections against online harassment and ensure a safer digital landscape.
The organisation said the shockingly low fine of RM100 on the suspect related to the alleged suicide of an influencer have sparked public concern regarding the weak regulations of cyberbullying in Malaysia.
"The penalty has sparked a debate about whether the existing legal framework sufficiently addresses the seriousness of cyberbullying and its potential consequences," it said in a statement.
The organisation noted that such low fines fail to reflect the profound harm caused and may not sufficiently deter offenders or deliver justice to victims.
"Many countries around the world are already addressing this issue more seriously by introducing appropriate legal mechanisms. The current legal framework in Malaysia is insufficient to address the complexities and severity of cyberbullying," it stated.
Seri suggested that the government create a Social Media Council under the purview of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to regulate and oversee social media practices in the country.
This council would play a pivotal role in regulating and supervising social media practices in Malaysia.
"It would ensure efficient reporting mechanisms, offer counselling and support, and address issues related to licensing and compliance.
"The government can also look to best practices from similar bodies in other countries, such as Germany's NetzDG, the UK's Ofcom, and the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA)," it said.
Seri urged that, beyond legislation, education and awareness related to bullying - whether physical or digital - must be prioritised.
It advocated for early education on digital etiquette and ethical conduct to equip individuals from a young age.