Miri MP calls for stronger laws against cyberbullying

MIRI (July 20): The federal government should enact a new Bill or amend the existing laws to better protect Malaysians, particularly the adolescents, from becoming victims of cyberbullying.

In making this call, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man quoted the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) conducted by the Institute for Public Health Malaysia in 2022, which stated that one in five teenagers, or approximately 20 per cent, had reported being bullied through the Internet, mobile phones, or other electronic devices.

“According to the survey, bullying cases have significantly contributed to the alarming increase of depression among adolescents, affecting approximately 25 per cent of the nation’s youths.

“Our legislation must evolve in parallel with technological advancements. Otherwise, we would not be able to address such challenges or social problems occurring in the virtual landscape.

“Therefore, the government must seriously consider this matter and address cyberbullying,” he said this in response to the recent court’s decision where a welfare homeowner, Shalini Periasamy, was imposed a fine of only RM100 after pleading guilty to charges related to the death of cyberbullying victim, Rajeswary Appahu.

“Since the offender was charged under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act, the maximum fine provided for is RM100, or three months imprisonment, or both,” said Chiew.

Quoting news outlet Scoop, Chiew said the mother of the victim, R. Puspa, had called for harsher penalties for those committing cyberbullying, arguing that perpetrators responsible for her daughter’s suicide must be imprisoned rather than simply being fined.

On July 16, Shalini, 35, a TikTok user going by the handle @alphaquinnsha was convicted on her own guilty plea at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrates’ Court under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 to using vulgar language on the social media platform, with the intent to incite anger to disrupt peace, as reported in the Malay Mail recently.

Chiew described Rajeswary’s case as ‘merely the tip of the iceberg’.

“Cyberbullying is akin to ‘putting salt on a wound’ or an ‘invisible hand’ pushing someone towards psychological or emotional breakdown,” he said.

In this respect, Chiew emphasised the need for concerted efforts in raising public awareness in schools and organisations, of promoting a culture of responsible Internet usage.

“Cultivating rational reactions, empathy and understanding among Internet users is essential to combat cyberbullying effectively.”