Clearer path to justice for doxxing victims

The Star

12 hours ago

PETALING JAYA: The inclusion of doxxing, defined as the act of distributing someone's personal information without their consent, into Malaysia's criminal code marks a turning point in protecting victims targeted for online notoriety, say experts.
The amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, aimed at addressing both physical and cyberbullying, came into effect yesterday.
With this, doxxing is now officially classified as a serious crime punishable by up to three years' imprisonment.
New provisions under Sections 507B to 507G have been introduced, providing for proportionate penalties for offences involving threats, insults or defamatory communication that cause emotional distress or fear.
Association of Women Lawyers president Jasmine Wong welcomed the explicit criminalisation of doxxing under Section 507E, noting the significance of the law in tackling online abuse, especially against women and girls, who are disproportionately affected.
'Victims will finally have a clearer path to seek redress, but without strong enforcement, platform accountability and survivor-protection mechanisms, the impact may remain limited.
'We urge these laws to be implemented transparently and fairly with safeguards to prevent misuse.
'The criminalisation of doxxing is a positive development, but meaningful protection for women requires more than punishment; it requires a broader system of accountability, education and care,' she said.
While applauding the overdue recognition of digital harm, Wong cautioned against the broad language in the amendments, which could be open to abuse if not carefully applied.
'There's a real risk these provisions could be misused to silence legitimate expression, dissent or criticism, particularly by those in power,' she warned.
'Sections 507B to 507E, though well-intentioned, use broad and subjective terms such as 'insulting' or 'distress', which risk being weaponised to suppress criticism or unpopular speech.'
Wong also highlighted the lack of focus on restorative justice, survivor support and platform owner accountability.
Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association president Siraj Jalil said the formal criminalisation of doxxing sends a clear message that such behaviour carries consequences and gives victims a legal path to seek justice.
However, he said the government also has a responsibility to educate people on these laws and what constitutes bullying.
Parent Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said with the legal framework now in place, several steps can be taken effectively, including promoting digital citizenship programmes and establishing a support system for victims.
'The new law is not just a tool for punishment, but a foundation for a safer, more respectful digital environment.
'For students, it offers protection; for educators and institutions, it is a call to act with greater accountability.
'Moving forward, collaboration between educators, parents, students and legal authorities is key to making the Internet a safer space for all,' she said.
The Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025 were passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 10, 2024, and in the Dewan Negara on Dec 16, 2024.