Cybercrime Act expected to come into force in early 2027

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Cybercrime Act is expected to come into force in early 2027 as the government steps up efforts to tackle increasingly complex and organised online scams.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the legal framework had been strengthened through amendments to the Penal Code, introducing Sections 424A, 424B, 424C(1) and 424C(2), and the Criminal Procedure Code, through Section 116D.

Action against online crime is also supported by provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the Online Safety Act 2025, which aims to improve online safety and protect users from harmful content and risks.

"The legal framework on cybercrime has also been strengthened through the introduction of the Cybercrime Bill, in line with technological developments and the changing landscape of cybercrime threats.

"The Cybercrime Act is expected to come into force in early 2027," he said in a written parliamentary reply.

Saifuddin said the Home Ministry would continue to review existing laws to ensure they remained relevant and effective in addressing evolving cybercrime threats.

"The Home Ministry will continue to review and assess the need to improve existing legal provisions from time to time to ensure the country's legal framework remains relevant and effective in addressing the growing threat of cybercrime," he said.

He was responding to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who asked whether the government would amend outdated laws and impose heavier penalties, including caning, on scammers following RM2.97 billion in cybercrime losses recorded in 2025.

The Dewan Rakyat passed the Cybercrime Bill 2026 on July 1.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said the legislation included safeguards against abuse, with investigative powers subject to checks and balances and established legal procedures. - NST