MALAYSIA is currently relying on its Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics Guidelines (AIGE) as a reference point to regulate AI use, even though no specific legislation on AI misuse is being planned at this stage, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
“We don’t have a clear timeline for introducing laws yet, but that is our ultimate goal – for the guidelines (AIGE) to serve as a reference and eventually be enforced as law,” he told reporters after officiating the Perak Ignite Entrepreneur Summit 2025 at SMK Yuk Choy in Ipoh today.
He said the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation had consulted with all relevant industry stakeholders regarding the implementation of AIGE, and the parties involved have agreed to comply with the guidelines.
“For now, existing laws such as the Communications and Multimedia Act and the Penal Code can still be applied,” he added.
Chang's remarks follow increasing concerns about the misuse of AI, particularly in scams. Deputy Director-General of the National Financial Crime Prevention Centre (NFCC), Ahmad Sazilee Abdul Khairi, previously warned that scammers are exploiting rapid AI advancements to devise new tactics for defrauding the public.
He stressed the need for public awareness to keep pace with emerging threats, noting that AI-generated content is increasingly being used to deceive individuals.
Launched in September 2023, AIGE was developed to prepare the country for future legal frameworks on AI. At the time of its release, Chang described it as a proactive measure to lay the groundwork for eventual legislation in this rapidly evolving field. - May 3, 2025
