GOV'T TO ANNOUNCE NEW MEASURES TO COMBAT CYBERBULLYING SOON - GOBIND

PUTRAJAYA, July 24 (Bernama) -- The government will soon announce several improvements, including legislative measures, to address cyberbullying, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

He said a special committee to tackle the issue had held discussions and identified the issues involved.

"We have established a committee among four ministries and have had several discussions which are progressing well.

“We have identified the issues and the measures to be taken. We will announce these steps soon," he said at a press conference here today.

The committee involves the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Digital Ministry and the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform).

It was previously reported that the committee involving the four ministries would thoroughly review the Penal Code (Act 574) to combat cyberbullying, with amendments expected to be tabled in Parliament this October.

The push for new legislation follows the death of influencer Rajeswary Appahu, better known as ‘Esha’, who was a victim of cyberbullying.

She was found dead in a condominium unit in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur on July 5, a day after filing a police report about the cyberbullying she was facing.

Last week, P. Shalini, a shelter home owner linked to Esha's death, was charged in court but was only fined a maximum of RM100 by the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court.

Gobind assured that the government took cyberbullying seriously and was working to strengthen existing laws and review inadequate penalties.

"Although we all know that moving forward, the digital world will change the way of life and business. We encourage everyone to use digital platforms, but the government takes security aspects seriously. We will not tolerate abuse, and if it occurs, stern action will be taken," he said.

-- BERNAMA