KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Cabinet meeting tomorrow will discuss solutions to the rising cyberbullying problem in the nation.
He said that he discussed with the Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said on the need to have laws with a heavier punishment.
“The message to the people is that the government’s views cyberbullying seriously,” he told reporters here.
He vowed that a solution will be announced by Putrajaya soon.
“If only a fine of RM100 is given and then those involved leave the court with a smile, that will certainly hurt the feelings of the victim’s family.
“Secondly, what message is to be sent to the majority of the people? So these matters should be examined.
“I believe there will be one or two announcements in the near future including this Friday. This topic will also be discussed at the Cabinet level,” Saifuddin added.
This is following the death of the late Rajeswary Appahu who committed suicide due to cyberbullying.
Two individuals were charged in court on July 16. Shalini Periasamy, 35, a TikTok user going by the handle @alphaquinnsha pleaded guilty to using vulgar language on TikTok with the intent to incite anger to disrupt peace and was fined RM100 under the Section 14 Minor Offences Act.
B. Sathiskumar, 43, pleaded guilty to making obscene remarks with the intention of hurting others, under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, which deals with the misuse of network facilities.
He has not been sentenced yet pending trial to another charge under Section 509 of the Penal Code where he pleaded not guilty to insulting the modesty of a person.
