Cyberbullying: Saifuddin echoes calls for harsher punishment

The Home Ministry has echoed the call for harsher punishment for cyberbullying as it aligns with the government’s view of the crime being a serious one.

In a press conference today, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail pointed out the RM100 fine imposed on welfare homeowner Shalini Periasamy, who is linked to the cyberbullying death of TikTok influencer Rajeswary Appahu (Esha), two days ago.

He said there will be announcements in the near future regarding the more stringent punishments for cyberbullying cases.

“Therefore, while we have a lack of legal provisions under the existing act, this should not be an excuse for enforcement bodies to view bullying only as a minor offence.

“If only an RM100 fine is imposed, and the perpetrator leaves the court with a smirk, it will surely hurt the victims’ families,” he said.

Saifuddin also said the issue will be brought up in the cabinet meeting tomorrow.

P Shalini received a RM100 fine after admitting to insulting behaviour on TikTok, aimed at provoking anger and disturbing the peace.

The offence falls under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, which allows for a maximum fine of RM100.

On July 5, Rajeswary, a 29-year-old Hindu rights activist, was found dead in her Setapak, Kuala Lumpur home.

The day before her death, she had reported two individuals to the police for alleged TikTok harassment.

New legislation for cyberbullying?

In the Dewan Rakyat, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the government’s intention to explore new legislation to address cyberbullying. 

He said that this proposed law would aim to be future-proof, considering evolving communication platforms and current needs.

Fahmi also highlighted existing laws related to cyberbullying, including Sections 503 and 509 of the Penal Code, which cover criminal intimidation and acts intended to insult a person’s modesty.

Additionally, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) addresses the improper use of network facilities or services.

Last week, Bernama reported that Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has proposed that a new law placing responsibility for misuse of social media, including cyberbullying, on social media platform owners, be introduced.

Gobind said he, together with Fahmi and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said, brought up the cyberbullying issue, including Esha’s death, during Friday’s cabinet meeting.

He added that existing laws, especially the CMA, the Penal Code, and the Computer Crimes Act are enforceable.

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