Malaysia announced on Tuesday that authorities are drafting amendments to the penal code to criminalize cyberbullying as well as a new law to hold internet providers liable for online security matters.

South China Morning Post

This comes as TikTok user Rajeswary Appahu was found dead from apparent suicide on July 5, reportedly just a day after filing a police report over online threats.

Time

Also on Tuesday, two people pledged guilty to charges under the Communications and Multimedia Act and Minor Offenses Act in connection with the harassment of the influencer known as Esha.

Free Malaysia Today

A 44-year-old man identified as B. Sathiskumar faces a potential one-year jail sentence and a fine of up to 50K Malaysian ringgit ($10.7K), while a 34-year-old woman named P. Shalini was fined 100 Malaysian ringgit ($21).

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil expressed disappointment with the relatively low fine imposed on the latter, a care-home owner, stressing the importance to set appropriate penalties for cyberbullying.

The Star

Meanwhile, TikTok Malaysia claimed to be improving its moderation technology and community guidelines to better protect users against cyberbullying, including to accelerate detection and take preventive measures.

Daily Express

Malaysia is set to criminalize cyberbullying following a social media influencer's death by suicide two weeks ago after facing online harassment and receiving death threats.

South China Morning Post #

Malaysian Law Minister Azalina Othman Said said while cyberbullying isn’t a new issue, probing and prosecuting cases is difficult when there're no specific laws.

Time #1812

Thirty-year-old Rajeswary Appahu ended her life on July 5, a day after accusing two persons of threatening her on TikTok with rape and murder.

The country’s penal code is now set to be amended to include more protection for victims. The amendments would classify cyberbullying as a specific offense.

While an accused reportedly pled guilty to insulting behavior, she was only fined RM100 (a little over $21) on July 16, disappointing many people.

The Star #

Speaking at Rajeswary’s funeral on July 7, an "angry and upset"  communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said cyberbullying "should not become a culture."

Malaysia Clampdown on Cyberbullying After Death of TikToker

AMalaysia DutchClampdown courton hasCyberbullying sentencedAfter aDeath manof convicted in a notorious Canadian cyberbullying case to 6 yearsTikToker

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Malaysia Clampdown on Cyberbullying After Death of TikToker

AMalaysia DutchClampdown courton hasCyberbullying sentencedAfter aDeath manof convicted in a notorious Canadian cyberbullying case to 6 yearsTikToker

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