Anti-Bullying Law takes effect with harsher penalties

AMENDMENTS to Malaysia’s Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code officially came into force on Friday, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to modernise the justice system in line with contemporary criminal challenges.

The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU), in a statement, said the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025, passed by Parliament in December last year, focus specifically on bullying-related offences.

These include both physical bullying and cyberbullying, with particular attention given to the protection of vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, and individuals experiencing emotional distress.

“In this context, the amendments introduce new provisions under Sections 507B to 507G, which specifically prescribe appropriate penalties for offences involving threatening, insulting or defamatory communications intended to cause emotional harm or fear to victims,” the statement read.

The amendments also criminalise the unauthorised sharing of personal information – commonly referred to as doxing – now considered a serious offence punishable by up to three years in prison.

The BHEUU said these changes were introduced following a comprehensive review of existing laws, which were found inadequate to address the evolving forms of psychological and emotional threats, particularly in the increasingly complex digital landscape.

The new laws also streamline legal procedures, enhancing the efficiency of the criminal justice system and allowing swifter and firmer action against offenders.

“The government will ensure that the enforcement of these laws is carried out fairly and equitably, without undermining the constitutional right to freedom of expression,” it added.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the Madani Government’s commitment to ensuring that national legislation remains relevant and responsive to modern digital-era challenges, safeguarding public safety, wellbeing, and justice for all Malaysians. - July 11, 2025