KUALA LUMPUR – The government is working to establish a clearer definition of cyberbullying following the death of online influencer Rajeswary Appahu, also known as Esha, on July 5.
The TikTok influencer was reportedly a victim of cyberbullying.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced this following a meeting with the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, representatives from the Home Ministry, and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).
He said that the meeting aimed to review and strengthen legislation related to cyberbullying.
“I met with Azalina, Wilson, and representatives from the Home Ministry to discuss potential amendments to existing laws to facilitate immediate action and prevent cyberbullying in the future.
“We also received suggestions on defining cyberbullying, which we are currently working on.
“From the ministry’s perspective, we believe it is crucial to raise awareness in schools and communities. In the coming days, we plan to launch a safety roadshow to educate people about cyberbullying, scams, and data privacy protection.
“Our goal is to ensure the younger generation can use the internet safely, and this is a topic we will discuss in the cabinet meeting this Friday,” Fahmi said after distributing free helmets to 150 students at SK Bangsar today.
Fahmi also mentioned that detailed information from police on Esha’s case is not yet available.
“I do not have detailed information on the investigation, and we are leaving it to the police.
“However, we know that the police, with assistance from the MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission), have tracked down several accounts related to Esha’s case,” Fahmi added.
On July 8, police arrested a 35-year-old woman in Rawang, Selangor, in connection with the case and obtained a remand order for her to assist with the investigation.
Authorities confirmed that two TikTok accounts were involved in making vulgar and threatening remarks towards Esha. The accounts, identified as Dulal Brothers and @alphaquinnsha, were allegedly involved in cyberbullying her.
Before her death on July 5, Esha had lodged a police report at the Dang Wangi police station, detailing the violent threats made against her.
She reported that a TikTok account with the handle Dulal Brothers hosted a livestream on June 30 with around 700 viewers, during which participants made rape and death threats against her. – July 10, 2024