CMA amendments come into force today

Amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 have taken effect today following their gazettement on Feb 7.

In a statement, the Communications Ministry said the amendments, passed in the Dewan Rakyat last December, were to create a safer and more sustainable internet ecosystem for users.

"This will provide better protection, particularly for children and families," it added.

On Dec 9, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2024 through a bloc vote, with 59 MPs in favour, 40 against, one abstaining, and 122 absent.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, in winding up the debate on the bill, emphasised that Section 233 of the Act was retained to prevent network misuse, particularly for commercial purposes such as the sale of pornographic and paedophilic content.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | The new laws on internet and media regulation

The amendment to Section 211 does not apply to the general public but specifically to licenced Content Applications Service Providers (CASP). The penalties under this section have been revised to reflect current developments.

Heftier fines, changes in wording

In addition, the amendments introduce stricter penalties, including a maximum prison sentence of five years, a fine of up to RM500,000, or both, for offences involving children under the age of 18.

Key changes in Section 211 include replacing the words "offensive content" with "indecent content, etc”, deleting the words "or other persons using a content application service" from Section 211(b)(1), and replacing the word "offensive" with "grossly offensive."

Section 211(c) replaces the term "any person" with "content application service provider" and substituting the words "fifty thousand” to “one million”.

The Communications Ministry also said that last year, online crime cases surged to 35,368, resulting in losses exceeding RM1.5 billion. This affirmed the timely implementation of these amendments.

The ministry urged Malaysians to support these efforts and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their families from online threats.

- Bernama

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