Enough is enough. There are ample laws and research in Malaysia for the authorities to address cyberbullying. This issue has been highlighted not only in the press, but by several NGOs including The Soroptimist International Clubs of Malaysia.
It is good to hear that the Malaysian government is finally looking into criminalising cyberbullying. Action needs to be taken with urgency rather than via a lengthy process of parliamentary action. Regulations can be passed pursuant to the existing laws. Some consultation with neighbouring countries who have already passed protective laws and penalties would reduce the need to reinvent the wheel.
Singapore instituted the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 (Poha) that criminalises harassment, stalking and other anti-social behaviour. Offences such as "doxing”, which would apply as an act of divulging personal information and mechanisms to counter fake news, have also been added. The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma) is also in place.
The Philippines has its Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 which mandates schools to adopt policies to address bullying, extending to cyberbullying, if the act was committed through electronic means. Other areas covered included psychological violence – cyberstalking and online harassment that causes mental or emotional suffering and avenues for victims to seek legal redress have also been addressed.
Britain has a National Bullying Helpline founded in 2003 to assist individuals struggling with bullying issues, whatever the nature of the abuse. This gives support to both adults and children – whether the bullying is in the home, community, playground, the workplace or online.In a recent campaign called "Recharge and Reconnect“, a collaboration between the SI Club of Bangsar and MMU (Multimedia University), it was specifically highlighted by the students that mental health issues were their greatest concern.
We urge the government to implement immediately a helpline for victims to call in. This is a serious matter. With today’s digital technology, the number of clicks can be calculated in terms of number of complaints received and other data too so that Malaysia has a proper record of the status of its citizen’s mental health. The data can be disseminated to the various bodies for action.
The Ministries have the relevant powers to carry out the responsibility of taking steps to prevent negative impact on Malaysians in the cyberspace without waiting for an "extreme” situation to wake them up.
SOON LAY EAN PresidentSoroptimist International Region of Malaysia
NORA LAM President SI Club of Bangsar
