AI legislation must be expedited to tackle negative impact, says Deputy Digital Minister
SHAH ALAM: Specific legislation governing artificial intelligence (AI) must be expedited due to the growing negative impact of the technology, particularly in fraud-related crimes, says Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.
The Deputy Digital Minister said he was informed that between 2020 and 2024, AI-related crimes have resulted in an estimated global loss of around RM5bil.
"I expect the AI legislation to be tabled this year so that we can tighten control and outline appropriate penalties for those who misuse this technology," he said when met at the Gawai Kitai Ngiling Bidai 2025 celebration, here Saturday (June 28).
He was responding to questions regarding the misuse of AI technology, including incidents involving high-ranking government officials including former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani and Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar.
Acryl Sani and Kumar had previously denied appearing in separate viral videos circulating on social media, which showed individuals resembling both of them allegedly receiving aid from a person bearing the title "Datuk".
He said in response to this matter, his ministry is actively conducting awareness campaigns through the Digital Malaysia Tour programme to engage and educate the public, especially in rural areas, so that they do not fall victim to AI-related fraud.
"I have gone to Sabah, the interior of Kapit in Sarawak, and Penang to raise awareness among rural communities about the latest tactics and modus operandi of these criminals," he said.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo was previously reported as saying that a full report on the proposed regulations and the possible enactment of specific legislation for AI would be submitted to his ministry by the end of this month. - Bernama
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