Deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching said a new provision would be proposed.

“Once this new section to the law is passed by the Dewan Rakyat, police will be authorised to demand data from social media platforms, to provide data on particular users.

“We hope this provision will help the police with their investigations,” Teo told the Dewan Rakyat.

She was responding to a supplementary question by Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) on what actions the government was taking to curb slander, especially through the use of fake social media accounts.

Afnan also asked what action the government had taken against those who edited video clips to give the impression that Putrajaya had recognised Israel’s right to exist, which he said was aimed at confusing the public.

Teo said she was leaving the matter to the police.

Last week, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said police had received 11 reports on a viral video allegedly defaming Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in connection with a recent interview on CNN.

Anwar was reported to have said “Malaysia recognised Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself”, based on footage purportedly taken from the interview.

He subsequently said that Malaysia remained consistent in its stance on Israel. He also said that Putrajaya had never diplomatically recognised Israel.