She said it would place responsibility on social media and internet messaging service providers to play their role and be accountable in tackling online crimes, including scams, cyberbullying, child pornography, harassment, and sexual extortion.

“This is in line with legislative initiatives enforced in other countries,” she said in a statement.

Azalina’s statement follows the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s announcement yesterday that social media platforms would have to apply for a licence effective Jan 1, 2025, with new regulatory framework for social media and internet messaging services due on Aug 1.

Meanwhile, Azalina said the government was also reviewing proposals to amend the Penal Code to define cyberbullying offences and proposed consequential amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) to ensure that provisions on cyberbullying offences could be effectively enforced.

She said Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the legal affairs division and MCMC will conduct a social study on online safety, and this will include a public opinion survey.

She added that the survey would be aimed at gathering views from stakeholders on cybersecurity issues.

Azalina said the study would complement the government’s efforts in drafting online safety laws.