Sarawak thinking about new laws to rein in social media

KUCHING: Sarawak is mulling over the implementation of a new legislation proposed by the federal government that holds social media platform owners liable for misuse, including cases involving cyberbullying.

Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Datuk Liwan Lagang said the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) would review the matter and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Commenting on the proposal by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, who suggested new laws for social media platform owners’ responsibility, Liwan said: “If the law is suitable and passed by Parliament, why not?”

Liwan was speaking at a press conference after officiating at the Cyber Security Workshop organised by SMA at the Waterfront Hotel, here today.

Yesterday, Gobind highlighted the issue of cyberbullying, particularly in relation to the recent death of TikTok influencer A Rajeswari, known as Esha.

The matter was raised during a Cabinet meeting along with the Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

Gobind proposed that new laws be considered to place responsibility on platform owners to ensure there is no misuse and to take immediate action to prevent such situations from continuing.

“We need to send a clear signal that we are serious about finding solutions to this problem, and all relevant parties have an important role to play in this effort.

“Cyberbullying cases must be taken seriously and addressed promptly. We must ensure that laws are enacted to prevent any misuse, and if it occurs, swift action must be taken,” he was quoted as saying.

Gobind further assured that his ministry supports the efforts of the Minister of Communications to strengthen existing legislation or introduce new relevant laws in the future.