Malaysia is set to replace its nearly three-decade-old computer crime law after the Dewan Negara approved the Cybercrimes Bill 2026.
The bill will repeal the Computer Crimes Act 1997 and introduce a broader framework for tackling online offences, Free Malaysia Today reported.
Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Rubiah Wang explained that the bill applies when technologies such as artificial intelligence are used to commit crimes.
She cited sexual exploitation, election interference and fraud as examples.
Lawful reporting, academic work and freedom of expression would not be targeted under the proposed law.
Senators also proposed tougher penalties for large online fraud syndicates, direct compensation for victims and court remedies covering content removal and compromised digital identities.
Financial institutions and telcos were urged to reduce their reliance on SMS one-time passwords and adopt stronger authentication methods.
Rubiah added that the offences would qualify for extradition because each carries a potential prison term of three years or more.
Authorities may pursue cross-border cases through mutual legal assistance, Interpol, Aseanapol and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia, based on image by hafizaltalib79 via Magnific
