The Dewan Negara today passed the Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2026 by a majority voice vote, with the government highlighting the growing threat of online scams as part of the need to strengthen online security.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said 99,693 pieces of online scam-related content had been removed from social media platforms as of July 31, already surpassing the 98,503 pieces taken down throughout 2025.
She said 63,652 pieces were removed in 2024, compared with 6,297 in 2023 and 242 in 2022, showing the need for continued attention to online safety.
“This shows that online safety is an aspect that needs to be given full focus and attention,” she said when winding up the debate on the bill in the Dewan Negara today.
The bill was passed after being debated by 15 senators.
Among the key changes is the introduction of the National Universal Service Provision (USP) Initiative for the purpose of safeguarding national security, alongside a clearer legal basis for the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to support its implementation.
Teo said the amendments would allow the minister to direct MCMC to support initiatives involving the use of network services or applications for the implementation of the National USP Initiative.
She also said parties affected by MCMC decisions or directions could appeal to the Appeal Tribunal established under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The tribunal is chaired by a High Court judge, while parties dissatisfied with its decision may seek judicial review through the courts.
During the debate, Senator Datuk Seri Prof Dr Noor Inayah Ya’akub said the determination of national security matters should be based on clear criteria and parameters to ensure ministerial decisions could be held accountable transparently.
Senator Sheikh ‘Umar Bagharib Ali described the communications sector as strategic national infrastructure that serves as the backbone of the digital economy and public security.
“When the people are confident that a power is exercised fairly, transparently and according to the law, they will become strategic partners to the government in defending national security,” he said.
The bill, which was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on July 15, contains two clauses, including an amendment to Section 202 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to provide a clearer legal basis for MCMC to support the implementation of the National USP Initiative.
