Upcoming Regulatory Developments in Malaysia’s Technology, Media and Telecommunication Sector

In addition to the other updates provided here regarding regulatory developments in Malaysia's technology, media, and telecommunications sector, the Malaysian Government has announced or provided updates on several initiatives for the sector that may take shape in the coming months.

Businesses should note the following upcoming developments in the technology, media and telecommunications regulatory landscape which may introduce new compliance requirements for businesses:

1. New Omnibus Data Sharing Bill/National Data Sharing Bill

The Malaysian Government plans to introduce a new Omnibus Data Sharing Bill / National Data Sharing Bill by the end of 2024 to regulate data sharing and facilitate the use of cloud storage among government agencies in the public sector;


2. New Online/Digital Safety Bill

The Malaysian Government aims to table a new Online/Digital Safety Bill for the Malaysian Parliament's approval by the end of 2024. While the Government has not announced the specifics that will be addressed in the Bill, it is reported that it may include provisions to facilitate and regulate information requests from regulatory authorities regarding online security issues;


3. Malaysia's Participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's ("APEC") Cross-Border Privacy Rules

The Personal Data Protection Department ("JPDP" or Jabatan Perlindungan Data Peribadi) recently announced its intention to participate in APEC's Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) and Privacy Recognition for Processors (PRP) System. The system will enable certified businesses to perform cross-border data transfers within participating APEC economies without complying with additional requirements. No definitive timeline has been specified by JPDP regarding Malaysia's official induction into the system as a participating APEC economy;


4. New Malaysian Media Council Bill

The Malaysian Government aims to table the proposed Media Council Bill for Parliament’s approval by the end of 2024. This Bill will promote self-regulation of media practitioners through the establishment of an independent media council that will be responsible for developing and enforcing codes of conduct for media practitioners; and


5. New Cyberbullying Law

The Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo, recently proposed the development of a new law to impose responsibilities on social media platform providers or owners for the misuse of these platforms, resulting in, among others, cyberbullying by users. Currently, no further details have been provided although the Law Minister, Azalina Othman Said, has recently mentioned that the Malaysian Government will consider proposals to define "cyberbullying" and make it a crime under the Penal Code.