Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the first proposed amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) since it came into force 26 years ago would be tabled in Parliament on Monday1. He spoke to reporters after the closing ceremony of the 2024 Communications Carnival at IWK Eco Park in Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday 30 November1.
Fahmi said the proposed amendments would cover improvements to the scope of use of Section 233, which deals with the improper use of network facilities or services, to prevent it from being misused1. He said the amendments would also touch on social media, industry development and network security1. He listed the government's focus as online harm, online gambling, scams, cyberbullying and sexual crimes against children or pedophilia1.
"Tumpuan kita kepada aspek kemudaratan dalam talian, judi dalam talian dan scam, buli siber serta jenayah seksual terhadap kanak-kanak atau pedofilia"
He said an Online Safety Bill would also be brought forward, that the definition of a mule account had already been amended, and that this would be followed by amendments to the Penal Code and definitions for cyberbullying including offenses such as doxing, along with another code of conduct in final draft1.
On the licensing of social media platforms, which takes effect on 1 January, Fahmi said he had asked for all platform providers to be briefed in the first half of December so they understand the government's efforts, its intent, which laws will be amended through Act 588, and their role in making the internet in Malaysia safer1. Asked about Australia passing a law barring under-16s from social media, he said the government follows measures in many countries, not only Australia, and that it would start with the age limits the platforms themselves set, noting that all social media platforms currently bar children under 13 from having accounts and that WhatsApp sets a limit of 16 under its Community Guidelines1.
What it means for players
Online gambling is named by the minister as one of the areas the amendments target, alongside online harm, scams and cyberbullying1. The changes concern Section 233 of Act 588, which covers improper use of network facilities or services, so the practical effect falls on how online content and services are regulated rather than on any licensing of betting itself1. The briefing of social media platforms before the 1 January licensing date concerns platform obligations, not gambling operators1. Malaysia's underlying gambling law is not addressed in the announcement, and no change to it has been reported1. For a fuller picture of what is legal where, see Gambling Laws in Asia: What Is Legal in 12 Jurisdictions and Can I Gamble in Malaysia?.
What happens next
The amendments are to be tabled in Parliament on Monday1. Social media platform licensing takes effect on 1 January, with providers to be briefed in the first half of December1. Fahmi also referred to an Online Safety Bill, amendments to the Penal Code, definitions for cyberbullying including doxing, and a further code of conduct in final draft, without giving dates for those1.
