THE government is taking a tougher stance on cybercrime, with sweeping efforts underway to curb online scams and bullying that have caused widespread financial loss and mental distress, particularly among youth.
Responding to a query from Captain Azahari Hasan (Padang Rengas) during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil outlined a multi-pronged approach that includes new licensing rules for digital platforms, strengthened laws, content takedowns, and a newly established task force.
“This is a whole-of-government issue,” he said. “Although criminal fraud and cyberbullying fall under the jurisdiction of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) under the Penal Code, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) plays a key technical role, providing digital forensic support and information analysis.”
Between 1 January 2022 and 30 September 2025, MCMC submitted 139,880 takedown requests for scam-related content, with 95% successfully removed.
For cyberbullying-related content, 50,160 requests were made, resulting in the removal of 38,470 instances, or 77%, the ministry reported.
To ensure accountability from tech platforms, Malaysia has since 1 January 2025 required internet messaging and social media providers to apply for a Class Application Service Provider licence (ASP(C)) under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
This ensures that these platforms are responsible for moderating harmful content, including scams and bullying.
A Code of Conduct for Best Practices was also introduced in December 2024, aimed at guiding service providers in protecting users from harmful material.
“In line with the amendment to Section 233(1) of Act 588, distributing false content with intent to defraud or deceive is now a criminal offence,” the ministry stated. Convicted offenders face fines of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, with daily fines of RM5,000 for continued offences.
Further legislative support comes with the enactment of the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866), designed to regulate harmful content and impose obligations on digital service providers to better safeguard users. Subsidiary instruments under the Act are currently being developed by MCMC, with emphasis on online risk management.
In July 2024, the Cabinet approved the formation of a Special Committee on Cyberbullying, comprising the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Digital, and the Legal Affairs Division under the Prime Minister’s Department.
The committee is backed by a dedicated task force involving MCMC, PDRM and the Attorney General’s Chambers, focusing on integrated enforcement strategies. Coordination is being led through the PDRM–MCMC Cybercrime Committee, which facilitates faster and more structured responses to online threats.
Additionally, the Cabinet agreed in August 2025 to establish a Special Committee on Bullying, tasked with formulating legislation and developing a national anti-bullying framework encompassing prevention, education, and enforcement. This committee is chaired by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).
The Ministry affirmed its continued commitment to collaborative action to ensure digital platforms in Malaysia are not only safer but actively held accountable. - October 14, 2025
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