Cyberbullying will be made a criminal offence, confirms Azalina

Cyberbullying would be classified as a criminal offence via amendments that are made to the Penal Code, confirmed Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

“The division will also look into proposing amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code to ensure effective enforcement against cyberbullying crimes,” she said in reference to the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU).

“Current provisions in the Penal Code, Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 and Computer Crimes Act 1997 do not specifically address cyberbullying offences.

“This has hampered investigation and prosecution of such crimes as well as one of the factors why the public takes cyberbullying issues lightly,” she said in a statement today.

An enactment in a new law is also being reviewed to hold OTT platforms responsible for online safety, specifically on cyberbullying and crimes involving children.

The issue of online cyberbullying came under the spotlight following the death of A Rajeswary, better known as Esha on July 5.

She had lodged reports, prior to her death, due to threats that she received on TikTok.

Two suspects involved in this case will be charged today.