KUALA LUMPUR: Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah has voiced strong backing for the proposed Cyber Crime Bill, which seeks to strengthen the legal system in confronting emerging cyber threats and challenges.
He stressed the urgency of the legislation, citing the sharp increase in cybercrime in recent years.
According to Matbali, the bill is not about expanding state authority, but about ensuring the law keeps pace with the rapidly changing nature of criminal activity in the digital age.
“Technology evolves constantly, and criminals adapt just as quickly,” he said during yesterday’s parliamentary debate on the bill.
“To ensure justice remains effective, our laws must evolve alongside these changes.”
Matbali recognized the importance of the existing Computer Crimes Act 1997, which he described as having served the country well and contributed significantly over the years.
However, he pointed out that nearly 30 years later, advancements such as artificial intelligence and the widespread use of digital transactions demand a modernized legal response.
He described the new bill as a necessary link between national progress and security.
“Progress cannot endure without security. The digital economy cannot thrive without public trust. And without proper safeguards, technology—despite its benefits—can become a source of harm,” he explained.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive legal structure to combat growing threats like online fraud, identity theft, manipulated content, and increasingly complex cyberattacks.
As Malaysia accelerates through the digital era, he said, it needs a legal framework that is both strong enough to counter evolving risks and balanced enough to protect citizens’ rights.
“Just as past generations defended our nation with courage and sacrifice, we now have a duty to safeguard cyberspace through sound laws and determined governance,” he concluded. – John Tambanan
Matbali emphasized the need for a comprehensive legal structure to combat growing threats like online fraud, identity theft, manipulated content, and increasingly complex cyberattacks.
