4 days ago
Bullying, even online, is now a crime, says Azalina
PUTRAJAYA: Bullying, harassment, insults and identity misuse, even online, are now crimes under amendments to the Penal Code.
The amendments were introduced to the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 (Act A1750), which was approved by the King on Feb 25 this year and gazetted on March 7.
'It introduces new sections, 507B to 507G, specifically to address bullying by any means and methods, including online,' Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic) said.
'These amendments provide for offences related to harassment, threats, bullying, insults and misuse of identity information, including situations that may lead to suicide attempts as well as cases where the provoked person attempts or commits suicide,' she said in a statement here today.
Azalina told Bernama that offenders could be jailed up to 10 years, fined, or both.
'It is the responsibility of every citizen to comply with these laws,' she said.
'Keep in mind that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
'A clear understanding of one's rights and responsibilities under the law is the first step towards building a safer, more ethical and humane society,' she added.
Azalina advised the public to obtain information directly from the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department or the Legal Aid Department for clarification on the amendments.
