AMENDMENTS to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) have been introduced to address growing concerns about online crimes, including paedophilia, scams, and illegal gambling, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said today.
Speaking at the Temu Anak Muda Lembah Pantai event, Fahmi highlighted that from February 11, stricter penalties for several online offenses have come into effect, following approval by Parliament last December.
“These amendments provide clearer and more specific definitions of previously vague offenses. Acts that were broadly classified as ‘offensive’ are now more precisely defined as ‘grossly offensive,’ making it easier to prosecute individuals for misconduct,” Fahmi said.
“This change will also make legal proceedings more transparent by providing concrete definitions that can be used as arguments for both the defense and prosecution, which helps prevent abuse of the law.”
The changes are part of a larger effort to create a safer and more sustainable online environment. As part of the reform, the amendments were gazetted on February 7 and came into force on February 11.
The legislative changes are designed to strengthen the legal framework surrounding online behavior, particularly to address issues of online exploitation, misinformation, and illicit content.
Fahmi also urged the public to be vigilant when consuming and sharing information, especially on social media. He emphasized the importance of verifying news before circulating it.
"In this age of rapid information, it's essential for users to rely on mainstream media as a trusted source of information. If a viral post is not covered by credible news outlets or uses misleading wording, I advise against sharing or reposting it, as it could potentially be illegal," he warned.
The amendments to Act 588 were passed by the Dewan Rakyat on December 9, 2024, following a bloc vote with 59 Members of Parliament voting in favor, 40 against, one abstaining, and 122 absent.
Fahmi also stressed that Section 233 of Act 588 remained in place to combat the misuse of networks for commercial purposes, particularly to prevent the distribution of harmful content such as pornography and paedophilia.
The reforms reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening laws and ensuring that the digital space remains a safer environment for all users, while also addressing emerging threats posed by online crime and misinformation. - February 16, 2025
