Deaths get us going, unfortunately

It takes deaths to get Malaysians into high gear against something bad.

Penal Code (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2024, otherwise also known as Esha Clause, came about to put a full stop to deaths due to bullying.

Esha whose real name was Rajeswary Appahu was the third individual to die due to cyberbullying.

The stabbing of 16 year old Yap Shing Xuen by a 14 year schoolmate has led the authorities to relook into discipline tightening measures such as curbing mobile phone access for young children and the reintroduction of caning.

The death of Zara Qairina which is now being probed in the coroner’s court is looking at bullying in schools.

Then there are still countless cyberbullying cases happening on social media platforms.

Complaints are lodged to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Similar reports are lodged to the Royal Malaysian Police.

The Madani government has been quick to act with legislation.

However there appears to be a lag at the enforcement stage.

The cyberbullying also involves actions against the Personal Data Protection Act. Personal information such as identification number are leaked out by some irresponsible parties but no action has been forth coming.

Are we waiting for Malaysians to sacrifice themselves before the issues are addressed?

Or is it a case of those in the higher ups being least bothered about the wellbeing of victimised Malaysians?