{
  "id": 13985914,
  "title": "Cybercrime Act expected to come into force in early 2027",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/cybercrime-act-expected-to-come-into-force-in-early-2027",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T15:02:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1553986/cybercrime-act-expected-come-force-early-2027"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Cybercrime Act is set to become law in early 2027 as Malaysia strives to combat sophisticated and organized online scams, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The legal framework has been bolstered through amendments to the Penal Code, including Sections 424A, 424B, 424C(1) and 424C(2), and the Criminal Procedure Code via Section 116D. Additional provisions are in place under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the Online Safety Act 2025, which aims to enhance online safety and shield users from potentially harmful content and risks. The government's legal strategy for tackling cybercrime is also informed by the introduction of the Cybercrime Bill, which aligns with the evolving nature of cybercrime threats and technological advancements.\n\nSaifuddin, speaking in a written parliamentary reply, affirmed that the Home Ministry will persist in reviewing existing laws to guarantee their relevance and efficacy in addressing the ever-changing cybercrime landscape. He emphasized the Ministry's ongoing commitment to assessing the necessity of enhancing existing legal provisions periodically to maintain the country's legal framework as a robust defense against the escalating threat of cybercrime. This proactive stance comes in response to a query from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) concerning potential amendments to outdated laws and the imposition of more stringent penalties, such as caning, on scammers following the staggering RM2.97 billion in cybercrime losses reported in 2025. The Dewan Rakyat had previously passed the Cybercrime Bill 2026 on July 1, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi assuring that the legislation incorporated safeguards against abuse, with investigative powers being subject to checks and balances and established legal procedures.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}