20 cyber crime cases under probe

(Bernama) – THE Information, Communications and Culture Ministry has opened 20 investigation papers on cyber crimes in the first three months of this year.

The crimes comprised dissemination of lies, misuse of information, defamation, sedition and pornography.

Deputy Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said investigations were carried out under Section 211 and 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) which provided a jail term not exceeding a year, or a fine up to RM50,000, or both, upon conviction.

He said this in reply to Datuk Zaitun Mat who wanted to know how far the government would go to fight cyber crime threats.

“Last year, 582 investigation papers were opened and probed, 422 of which were under Section 211 and 233 of the act. Apart from the act, those found to have abused the internet can also be charged under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989, Capital Markets and Services Act 2007, Sedition Act 1948, Defamation Act 1957 or even under the Penal Code.

“Besides taking the culprits to court, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will also block the access to phishing, fraud, illegal investment and pornography websites.”.

The MCMC had also set up a bureau to receive complaints to identify and probe those responsible for providing and disseminating such content. — Bernama