KUALA LUMPUR – The cabinet is set to discuss cyberbullying matters on Friday, exploring various angles including legal frameworks, said Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim personally requested the presentation, which will also address a report on a TikTok influencer who died after allegedly being cyberbullied, which is believed to have led her to experience stress. It was reported that she committed suicide.
“We will not only report the incident but also take necessary actions, including potential amendments to the relevant laws. We will scrutinise the current shortcomings,” he told reporters after visiting the influencer’s family in Gombak Setia today.
The body of the woman, aged 29, was found in her home at about 11am, last Friday.
Fahmi said the main problem in dealing with cyberbullying is that most perpetrators are anonymous, making it difficult to identify their identities.
“One of the complaints received by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Communications Ministry from police is that accounts involved in various abuse activities are hiding behind fake accounts.
“(Therefore they) cannot identify the individual who made the comment or those involved in scams and so on,” he said.
The victim’s family has lodged a police report, and the ministry has been in contact with TikTok, which expressed its willingness to cooperate more proactively, he added.
Fahmi urged the public and civil servants to avoid cyberbullying and to continue embracing Eastern manners and cultural traditions.
The communication ministry would consider the need to amend the existing laws related to cyberbullying, insisting that individuals involved in the case of the influencer’s death be brought to justice, he added.
“This matter was relayed to the prime minister yesterday, and I have also spoken to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. We have a similar stance on this issue and will meet in a few days.
“Offences are not limited to issues such as humiliation or the disclosure of personal information, which is covered under the Personal Data Protection Act.
“Insya-Allah, we will hold a meeting to examine the existing laws and determine what steps need to be taken,” he said.
Fahmi also said that his ministry upholds the decree of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim who urged the public not to use social media platforms for arguments or shaming others, as these actions only contribute to division and conflict.
“The ministry will also implement several measures to ensure that the internet is safe to use because cyberbullying is not only reported to occur on TikTok but also on other social media sites, such as Facebook and WhatsApp,” he added. – July 7, 2024