Cyberbullying issue to be presented to cabinet on Friday - Fahmi

The cyberbullying on social media issue will be presented to the cabinet on Friday so it can address the matter, including the legal and enforcement aspects, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim requested the presentation which will also report on an incident involving a TikTok influencer who allegedly committed suicide due to cyberbullying, he said.

“We don’t just report what happened, but take action, especially if we need to amend the law, and address weaknesses,” he told reporters after visiting the influencer’s family at the People’s Housing Programme in Gombak Setia, Kuala Lumpur, today.

The body of the 29-year-old woman was found in her home at about 11am last Friday.

Fahmi said the main problem in dealing with cyberbullying is that most perpetrators hide behind fake accounts.

“One of the complaints that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the Communications Ministry have received from the police, is that accounts involved in various abusive activities hide behind fake accounts, making it hard to identify the individuals who made the comments, or were involved in the scams,” he added.

The victim’s family has lodged a police report, and Fahmi said the ministry has been in contact with TikTok, which expressed its willingness to cooperate more proactively.

Creating safe space

The minister advised the public, including civil servants, to avoid becoming cyberbullies, but instead continue to maintain Eastern mannerism and culture.

Fahmi explained that his ministry would consider the need to amend the existing laws related to cyberbullying, and insisted that individuals involved in the case of the influencer’s death be brought to justice.

“This matter was relayed to the prime minister yesterday. I have also spoken to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said. We have a similar stance on this issue and will meet in a few days.

“Offences are not only for humiliating others or disclosing personal information... InsyaAllah we will hold a meeting and examine the existing laws and what steps we need to take.”

Fahmi said that his ministry upholds Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s decree for the public to not turn social media into venues for arguments, or shaming others, as these actions only contribute to division and conflict.

His ministry will implement several measures to ensure that the internet is safe to use because cyberbullying is not only on TikTok but also on other platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp, he added.

- Bernama

If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, or know someone who is, please call the following hotlines:

Talian Kasih
Hotline: 15999

The Befrienders
Hotline: 03-76272929

Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia
Hotline: 03-77855955 or 03-77810800

Life Line Association Malaysia
Hotline: 03-42657995

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