Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Jailani Johari said of the total, 54% or 146 cases have been investigated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) under Section 233 of the Act, which covers improper use of network facilities or network service.
“A total of 56 investigation papers have been opened and will be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers to be prosecuted,” he said, adding that the remaining cases are being investigated.
Jailani (BN-Hulu Terengganu) said this in reply to a question by Ismail Daut (BN-Merbok), who had asked about the number of cases recorded under the Act this year, and if the government planned to amend it.
Jailani said enforcement can be carried out under Sections 211 and 233 of the Act, against individuals who abuse the internet or applications, including social media, as a platform to spread content which are pornographic, false, threatening, incestuous or nasty.
If convicted, offenders can be fined a maximum RM50,000, jailed a maximum one year, or both.
On the issue of amending the Act, Jailani said the present laws are sufficient to tackle offences related to the communications and multimedia industry in Malaysia, especially on internet and social media abuse.
“If there is a limit to the powers of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), reasonable action can still be taken under existing law provisions by other enforcement agencies.
“Other law provisions are the Sedition Act 1948, the Penal Code, Defamation Act 1957, Copyright Act 1987, Computer Crimes Act 1997 and others,” he said.
All complaints received, Jailani said, will be followed up by MCMC, and it involves enforcement under the Act, warning notices, advisories, as well as referring to other enforcement agencies on further action under the relevant law provisions.