Govt amends Penal Code to combat online harassment and bullying
The law, approved by the King on Feb 25, and gazetted on March 7, adds new Sections 507B to 507G, specifically targeting bullying in any form.
Offences include harassment, threats, bullying, insults, and the misuse of identity information, with severe penalties if such acts lead to suicide attempts or suicides due to provocation.
Convicted offenders can face imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines, or both.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said urged all ministries, agencies, organisations, and institutions to update their internal policies and ensure staff are aware of the new legal provisions.
"The public must understand that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Clear knowledge of one's rights and responsibilities under the law is the first step towards building a safer, more ethical, and humane society," Azalina stated in a statement on Monday (Aug 11).
Azalina also encouraged the public to seek clarifications directly from the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) or the Legal Aid Department, which offers free advisory services.
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