Dewan Rakyat passes Communications and Multimedia bill

The Communications and Multimedia (Amendments) Bill 2024 (CMA) has reportedly been passed in the Dewan Rakyat through a bloc vote. 59 MPs voted in favour of the bill, 40 were against and one abstained. 122 MPs were absent during the vote. 

According to Free Malaysia Today, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the amendments to the bill balanced freedom of speech by creating restrictions for security, public order and morality. He reportedly added the amendments aim to find the harmony between freedom of expression and the benefits of the digital economy, while ensuring safety and security. 

The amendments also reportedly introduce firmer penalties for offences such as child exploitation and commercial distribution of pornography. Fahmi reportedly explained that the new law would govern the media, mostly involving telecommunications companies. 

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Reports outlined that fines for the various offences will be reviewed as they were imposed 26 years ago when the law was first introduced.

In July this year, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) unveiled it reportedly investigated 3,077 cases involving offences related to obscene, indecent, false, threatening and offensive elements from 2009 to 15 June this year.  

Communications minister Teo Nie Ching reportedly said that 151 of the 3,077 cases were prosecuted in court and were investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), according to The Star. 

For offences involving obscene content, 72 cases were prosecuted in court with total fines of RM617,050. 15 cases were offered compound fines totalling RM38,000 and 18 cases were issued warning notices, Teo reportedly said during the parliament special chambers session. 

Earlier this week, the MCMC released the guidelines on Information and Network Security for the Communications and Multimedia Industry (INSG) to enhance the information and network security and resiliency of the communications and multimedia industry in the country. 

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