New laws needed to better tackle cybercrime, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: There is a need to enact new laws to tackle cybercrime in line with rapid technological advancements, said Fahmi Fadzil.

The Communications Minister said the decision was made at the Working Committee Meeting on the Drafting of New Laws Related to Cybercrime held on Monday (Feb 6), which was jointly chaired by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

Fahmi said that although certain aspects could be regulated under existing laws, the technical committee would examine the legislation from other nations to ensure online safety.

“Many other countries have established specific acts, such as those pertaining to artificial intelligence (AI). We are studying Malaysian laws and also assessing the challenges faced by other countries and how they enact new acts,” he told reporters after the Communications Ministry monthly assembly here on Tuesday (Feb 6).

Fahmi, who is also the unity government spokesman, said the meeting discussed issues and challenges faced by various agencies and ministries regarding online safety, particularly concerning children, and would undertake immediate action to address them.

Meanwhile, Azalina, in a Facebook post, said online services are a necessity and have become a crucial part of daily life but the exploitation of cyberspace has led to the escalating threat of cybercrime.

In another development, Fahmi welcomed the Human Resource Ministry’s commitment to assist freelance workers and stringers (part-timers) in the media and creative industry.

“This is something I have been advocating for a long time. We are scrutinising the specifics considering the different needs for each group.

“I also want to hold further discussion with Human Resource Minister Steven Sim on whether we can include aspects such as invalidity pension and survivor’s pension in the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme for these groups,” said Fahmi.

On Monday, Sim said that there are approximately 30,000 freelance workers in the sector and expressed intention to expand the Perkeso coverage to the group, including through SKSPS, which provides protection for self-employed individuals. – BK