The Communication and Multimedia Ministry will expedite the study on the proposed amendments to the Communication and Multimedia Act 1988, for tabling in Parliament this year.

Its deputy minister Jailani Johari said the Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had been given six months to conduct the study, which would mainly take into account the rampancy of cyber-offences.

He noted that the existing penalties for cyber-crime were inadequate to deter irresponsible elements.

“Increased penalties and clearly-defined offences particularly relating to social media can hopefully curb cyber-crime and diffuse antagonism among the society,” he told reporters today.

He said this after presentating essential items and cash totaling RM60,000, contributed by NuSuara Technologies Sdn Bhd to 407 families affected by the flood from eight villages in Kampung Hulu Berang and Kampung Menerong in Hulu Terengganu.

Meanwhile, Jailani said he would leave it to new MCMC chairperson Dr Halim Shafie to do the needful based on his vast working experience.

- Bernama