KUALA LUMPUR: Detailed studies are being conducted to ensure the scope and application of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 are clearer and effective against online harm, and not being misused.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the studies were being conducted by the Communications Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
She told the Dewan Rakyat that MCMC had also held engagement sessions with stakeholders in finalising proposals for the act's amendments, including on Section 233.
The proposed amendments, she said, were expected to be presented in Parliament in this session, subject to cabinet approval.
"The Communications Ministry and MCMC have also held several coordination meetings with the Prime Minister's Department's Legal Affairs Division to ensure there is no overlap between the Online Safety Bill and the provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act, including the application of Section 233.
"Section 233 is one of the provisions that could be enforced to address any harmful online activities. This provision will only be enforced if online content is identified as obscene, offensive, false, threatening or repulsive with the intent to hurt, harass, intimidate or disturb others."
Teo said this in response to a question from Dr Kelvin Yii (PH-Bandar Kuching), who had asked the ministry of its plans to review and strengthen Section 233 of the act to ensure that its scope and usage would not be misused.
She said enforcement actions by MCMC were based on proactive monitoring, public complaints and requests from other enforcement agencies.
"MCMC will conduct transparent investigations into the reported content, and the results of the investigations will be submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers for prosecution."