Police have warned that sharing a person’s private information online without consent is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail (above) said his team had taken note of Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s recent statement regarding the spread of an individual’s personal details on digital platforms.

He stressed that disclosing or displaying personal data - such as home addresses, phone numbers, identification numbers, and family information, without permission is illegal.

“This act, commonly known as doxing, is unacceptable and may lead to serious consequences. It is a violation of existing laws, and we will not hesitate to investigate and take action,” he said in a statement.

On Jan 18, Saifuddin urged the public to stop harassing former Free Malaysia Today journalist Rex Tan, who was arrested for sedition and released after overnight detention.

Saifuddin also said that the social media harassment, threats, and doxing of Tan’s personal details were “unwarranted” and had “crossed the line”.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

Tan is being investigated under the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) following questions he posed to British politician George Galloway at a public lecture on Palestine in Kuala Lumpur.

‘No one is exempt from law’

Meanwhile, Khalid said today that offences linked to doxing can be probed under several legal provisions, including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Section 130 of the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, as well as Sections 507E, 507F(1), or 507F(2) of the Penal Code.

He emphasised that the principle of personal data protection applies to everyone, regardless of their background, views, or current situation.

“Personal information must not be used as a tool for revenge, threats, or online harassment. No one is exempt from the protection of the law,” he said.

The police chief also reminded the public to act responsibly and ethically when using digital platforms, warning that firm action would be taken against those who break the law.

“Police will not hesitate to take stern action against any party found to have violated the relevant laws, in line with the principles of the rule of law and public safety,” he added.

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