PUTRAJAYA: The government will soon announce improvements to legislation relating to cyberbullying.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said discussions on the matter have already been held involving four ministries: the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), the Home Ministry, the Ministry of Communications, and his ministry.
"We have established a committee involving these ministries, and discussions have been proceeding well.
"We have identified the issues to be addressed and will announce them progressively in the near future," he said today.
Previously, it was reported that a special task force comprising four ministries was formed to discuss proposals to amend the Penal Code (Act 574) specifically to combat cyberbullying.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the task force would refine issues raised concerning cyberbullying, followed by a proposal to organise an international seminar on online safety laws.
The push for new legislation comes after the death of influencer Rajeswary Appahu, also known as Esha, who is believed to be a victim of cyberbullying.
She was found dead in a condominium unit in Setapak, on July 5, a day after lodging a police report regarding the cyberbullying she faced.
Last week, P. Shalini, a welfare home owner linked to Esha's death, was charged in court but was only fined the maximum penalty of RM100 by the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court.
She pleaded guilty to the charge of intentionally making offensive remarks through her TikTok account, alphaquinnsha, with the intent to provoke anger and disturb public peace.
Commenting further, Gobind assured that the government will take this matter seriously through measures such as strengthening existing laws.
"This includes reviewing the penalties as the offences committed are serious.
"While we strongly encourage everyone to embrace digital lifestyles, we will not compromise on safety aspects. We will not tolerate bullies," he said.