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ONCE praised for their online activism against injustice abroad, Malaysian internet users are now facing growing scrutiny for weaponising social media platforms to bully others — a trend that has alarmingly spread to children and teenagers.
A Bernama report cited today that while the Malaysian online community drew global attention with the viral hashtag #IsraelKoyak in protest against Israeli aggression, experts now warn that this same digital mobilisation is giving way to toxic behaviours, including cyberbullying — with children increasingly among the perpetrators and victims.
One recent target was Japanese cyclist Shinji Nakano, who became the subject of vile online abuse after being accused of obstructing Malaysian cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sarom’s medal bid at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Closer to home, stories of young victims reveal a concerning normalisation of cruelty online.
“My friend mocked a photo of me on TikTok,” said 12-year-old Saffiya (not her real name). “They said I looked as dark as charcoal. I felt so ashamed.”
She became withdrawn, refused to attend school, feared using her phone and often cried alone — signs that were thankfully recognised by her parents and teachers. After receiving counselling, she is on the path to recovery.
“Even though we’re kids, we have feelings. Body shaming isn’t funny,” she said.
Malaysia ranks second in Asia for cyberbullying
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Malaysia holds the second-highest rate of cyberbullying in Asia, after China, and ranks fifth globally behind Peru, Argentina, Mexico and Brazil — reflecting the seriousness of the problem.
A 2024 Ipsos study found that nearly half of Malaysian parents know at least one child in their community who has been a victim of cyberbullying, while one in four believe their own children have experienced it.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) received 8,339 reports related to cyberbullying between January and 1 November last year — an average of 27 cases a day.
In response, the Malaysian government announced plans to study the implementation of a dedicated Anti-Cyberbullying Act, aimed at addressing the surge in online abuse.
Digital cruelty leaves lasting scars
“Cyberbullying is more dangerous than traditional bullying because digital content can spread widely and remain online indefinitely,” said Dr Mohd Nazir Mohd Nazori, senior lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia’s Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences.
He noted that many young perpetrators act out due to peer pressure and the desire to belong.
“Much of this is driven by group conformity. They rarely pause to consider whether their actions are right or wrong,” he explained, adding that such children often maintain a completely different persona around adults.
According to Dr Nazir, signs of a child being cyberbullied include withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities, appearing anxious or fearful, especially when hearing phone notifications, and becoming socially reclusive.
Without timely intervention, victims risk developing long-term mental health issues.
“Controlling online access alone isn’t enough,” he said. “Digital education must start early. Parents should help children choose appropriate apps and regularly review their online activity.”
He also advised against children having social media accounts, stressing they are too young to offer informed consent and are vulnerable to privacy violations and unsafe interactions.
Tougher laws and a need for reformative justice
On 11 July, the government enforced amendments to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code via the Penal Code (Amendment) 2025 and Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) 2025 Acts. These introduce new sections — 507B to 507G — to strengthen legal measures against cyberbullying.
Under Section 507D(2), offenders found guilty of threatening, insulting, or provoking suicidal behaviour via electronic communication face up to 10 years in prison or fines.
Dr Nazir welcomed the legal reforms but emphasised the need for public education campaigns.
“Enforcement must be accompanied by advocacy and awareness to ensure society understands why such actions are wrong,” he said.
Senior psychologist Dr Zulfikar Ahmad from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia supported the use of social punishments such as supervised community service for underage offenders.
“They must be taught responsibility — not punished to the point they believe they are inherently bad. The goal is to educate and prevent repeat behaviour,” he said.
He also cautioned parents against justifying early smartphone access based on safety or academic needs.
“If you don’t know what your child is doing online or who they’re interacting with, you may be exposing them to greater risks — including cyberbullying,” he added.
As Malaysia faces a rising tide of digital hostility, experts agree that a multi-pronged approach involving legislation, parental engagement, education, and community vigilance is vital in stemming this harmful tide — especially for the nation's youngest users. - July 29, 2025
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