KUALA LUMPUR – The proposed amendments to the Penal Code will include provisions to specifically classify cyberbullying as a criminal offence, said law minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
She added that the proposed provision would seek to give an interpretation to the term “cyberbullying”, which will be looked into by the legal affairs division.
“The division will also look into proposing amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code to ensure effective enforcement against cyberbullying crimes.
“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.
Azalina added that the government was also reviewing the enactment of a new law to hold OTT platforms responsible for online safety, especially on cyberbullying and crimes involving children.
This drafting of the bill will take into account views from the communications and digital ministries.
Cyberbullying made the headlines after influencer Rajeswary Appahu, known as Esha, was found dead in her Setapak home on July 5. A month prior, she had lodged a report at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters, detailing the violent threats made against her on social media.
Two suspects allegedly involved in the cyberbullying case against Rajeswary are expected to be charged here today.
On July 8, police arrested a 35-year-old at her home in Rawang, Selangor and obtained a total of five days of remand to assist with investigations. Three days later, police arrested a 44-year-old lorry driver who was then remanded for four days.
On July 12, Rajeswary’s mother, R. Puspa, lodged a police report stating that TikTok users had continued to make disparaging remarks against her daughter despite her death.
Puspa named several individuals, including controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth and policewoman Sheila Sharon Steven Kumar. – July 16, 2024