The Dark Side of Social Media - A Call for Stricter Regulations

Cyberbullying has become a pressing concern in Malaysia, underscored by the tragic death of 30-year-old social media influencer Ms. Rajeswary Appahu, also known as Esha, who took her own life after enduring severe online harassment. This heartbreaking event has sparked widespread public outcry and drawn significant attention to the widespread and harmful impacts of online harassment.

In July 2022, a 44-year-old mother of three tragically took her own life at her residence in USJ, reportedly after enduring cyberbullying on TikTok. Similarly, in 2019, a 16-year-old girl from Sarawak committed suicide shortly after a disturbing Instagram poll where a majority of respondents, 69 percent, encouraged her to end her life. Regrettably, justice has yet to be served as those responsible for these incidents remain unidentified and unpunished.

These tragic incidents, fueled by cyberbullying and malicious online defamation perpetrated by a group of internet users, highlight significant concerns and emphasize the critical necessity for effective anti-cyberbullying initiatives in Malaysia. It is imperative to implement robust measures to prevent the recurrence of such heartbreaking events.

To tackle these challenges, Associate Professor Ts Dato’ Dr Husin Bin Jazri, a cybersecurity expert from Taylor’s University, advocates for a series of strategies aimed at shaping future cybersecurity regulations in Malaysia. His proposals include setting up a specialized Cybersafety Commission, implementing compulsory cybersafety education, prioritizing funding for cybersafety research, producing compelling digital wellness content, integrating cybersafety into school curricula, and establishing support centers for victims of cybercrimes.

The Current Situation in Malaysia

There exists a notable deficiency in cybersafety awareness and education, both in formal or informal settings. This gap forces individuals to learn about online safety through unfortunate experiences, often falling victim to scams before gaining knowledge. Moreover, mainstream and online media have room for improvement in their efforts to promote and advocate for cybersafety education.
Current cybersecurity agencies focus more on the cybersecurity of companies and organisations rather than on education and support systems for the online safety of citizens. This is seen through the recently passed Cybersecurity Act 2024 which aims to protect critical national infrastructure companies.
The lack of cybersafety laws in Malaysia remains a major vulnerability in our digital security framework. This loophole contributes to the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes, fraudulent activities, online exploitation by predators, human trafficking, and various other digital risks.
Cybersafety awareness and education research in local universities receive limited prioritization in funding allocation, with larger portions of research funds directed towards other areas of study.
Dependence solely on punitive legislation is inadequate and ineffective in tackling issues such as cyberbullying, online scams, and other types of cybercrime.

If no action is taken to change the current approach and mindset of policymakers and digital citizens in Malaysia, we can expect a continued emergence of similar and varied cyberbullying cases.

Strategies in navigating future cybersecurity regulations

To set up a new agency that focuses on cybersafety, preferably a Cybersafety Commission, as currently practised in Australia.
A preventive law, like the Cyber Safety Act, should be introduced to mandate cybersafety awareness and education for all employees, businesses serving online customers, as well as digital citizens in schools and communities.
University research funding should prioritize cybersafety research, emphasizing both enhancing online safety for citizens and regulating generative AI technologies that pose potential risks to human well-being.
To fund the development of new media that promotes cybersafety and digital wellness, incorporating educational and entertainment strategies to create high-quality local content for raising awareness and enhancing education.
Cybersafety education should be introduced in schools, either through formal settings or as extracurricular activities such as community service and online creative projects. These initiatives can be driven by students and facilitated by teachers and professional volunteers.
The establishment of a Cybercrimes Victims Support Centre, which includes support for victims of cyberbullying, scams, etc., professionally managed and government-funded with adequate budgetary support.

It is crucial that local cybersecurity agencies, such as the National Cybersecurity Committee, give careful consideration to these initiatives. By doing so, Malaysia can ensure its safety and security in the digital sphere, paving the way for a thriving Digital Malaysia. These efforts not only protect citizens from cyber threats like cyberbullying and scams but also foster an environment where digital innovation and prosperity can flourish. Therefore, investing in robust cybersecurity measures and comprehensive support systems will be instrumental in safeguarding Malaysia’s digital future and promoting sustainable growth in the digital economy.