KUALA LUMPUR: The government will table the Data Sharing Bill in the Dewan Rakyat in December.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the bill will facilitate and speed up the exchange and use of data, while also ensuring data privacy.
Gobind said this in his keynote address at the International Legal Conference on Online Harms.
Previously, Gobind was reported as saying the bill would be key for the digital economy.
The bill aims to address both data privacy concerns and the pace at which data can be shared between entities, striking a balance between protection and utility.
"Data sharing is key. It's not just about having data but using it effectively to optimise its impact. We need legislation that protects privacy while enabling efficient data exchange," he said.
Gobind added that Malaysia had already enacted the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) in 2010, but until 2024, no amendments had been made.
"Just two months ago, amendments were made to strengthen the Act. We're seeing data breaches almost every day, like the recent Prasarana incident that's under investigation," he said, adding that ensuring cyber security alongside data infrastructure is important.
He said that the country's digital ecosystem requires not just infrastructure and laws but also talent development and public awareness.
He is calling for a focus on cyber security and the creation of safe online platforms for public use, while ensuring robust legal protections for data sharing.
"Ultimately, it's about creating an ecosystem where people feel safe using the platforms we create," he said.