KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 — The Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025 passed by Parliament last year, both aimed at addressing physical and cyber bullying, came into force yesterday.
According to the Prime Minister’s Department Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU), both acts were passed in the Dewan Rakyat on December 10 and in the Dewan Negara on December 16 with majority support from MPs.
BHEUU said the enforcement of both acts is an ongoing effort by the Madani Government to strengthen the country’s legal system and keep pace with current needs and new challenges in the modern criminal landscape.
“The implementation of these two acts is to streamline legal procedures, improve the efficiency of the criminal justice process and allow for faster and stricter action against those who break the law,” the BHEUU said in a statement.
The amendments to both acts introduce specific provisions that allow for stricter legal action against bullies in line with the government’s commitment to protect society, especially vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents and individuals put under mental harassment by bullies.
In addition, the amendments also introduce new sections such as Sections 507B to 507G, which specifically provide for proportionate punishment for offences of threatening, insulting or defamatory communications intended to cause emotional distress or fear to the victim.
“It also includes the offence of distributing personal information without permission or doxxing, which is now classified as a serious crime and punishable by up to three years in prison,” according to the BHEUU.
It said the introduction of the special provision stems from a review of the shortcomings in existing laws found to be insufficient in addressing various psychological and emotional threats in an increasingly challenging digital environment.
The government will continue to ensure the enforcement of this law is implemented fairly and equitably without affecting the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the constitution, it added.
“With the implementation of these acts, the Madani Government remains committed to ensuring the country’s laws remain relevant and responsive to the challenges of the digital world in the interest of safety, well-being and justice for all Malaysians,” BHEUU said.
— Bernama
