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Amendments Passed To Tackle Bullying

Dec 11, 2024

Parliament has passed amendments to the Penal Code to address all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying.

Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman says the amendments are being referred to as the Esha Clause, named in honour of the late cyberbullying victim who tragically took her own life earlier this year.

It aims to criminalize any act involving the use of threatening, insulting or defamatory words with the intent to provoke someone, resulting in harm to themselves or others.

It also covers offences like publishing someone’s identity and information, leading to harassment, distress or fear.

While those who create revenge porn or leak compromising content of their former partners can be also held liable.

These offences will all now carry heavier fines and a jail term of up to a year.

Additionally, a 10-year jail term is proposed for cases where the provocation results in a loss of life.

After being passed in Parliament via a voice vote, the new laws will now head to the Dewan Negara for further debate.

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The classification of the T15 group of high-earners who will not be eligible for RON95 petrol subsidies…will be announced by the middle of next year.

The Economy Minister says those who are excluded from receiving the subsidy, will be given the chance to appeal.

This follows the government’s decision to have a two-tier price system for RON95 so that the wealthiest 15 percent pay market prices for the fuel, while the remaining 85 percent of people will continue to enjoy the current subsidized price.

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The number of flood evacuees in Terengganu has surged overnight…rising to around 5,400 as of 11am this morning.

It is so far the worst-hit out of the five affected states.

A further 560-plus victims are currently also displaced in Kelantan, Pahang, Johor and Perak.

The government says there is high demand for skilled workers in the rail industry with some 25 thousand jobs available, including in the maintenance, repair and overhaul sector.

This, following our target to have 40% rail travel in the next six years.