KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 – Malaysian courts will be able to restrict the assets of suspected cybercriminals even before they are formally charged under the Cybercrime Bill 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the measure is intended to prevent criminals from transferring or hiding money obtained through online scams.
He explained that Clause 54 of the Bill allows courts to issue preventive orders following applications by the Public Prosecutor or authorised officers.
The provision aims to protect victims and stop suspected scam proceeds from disappearing before legal action can be completed.
Four Types of Court Orders Under Clause 54
Ahmad Zahid said courts may issue four types of orders under the provision.
These include:
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Cessation orders: Require activities that violate the law to stop.
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Restitution orders: Help victims recover money or assets.
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Compliance orders: Require relevant parties to follow legal requirements.
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Property restriction orders: Prevent assets, including money obtained through scams, from being transferred or hidden.
He said these measures would strengthen the authorities’ ability to respond to cybercrime and protect victims from further financial losses.
New Law Targets AI Scams and Digital Impersonation
The Cybercrime Bill 2026 was introduced to address growing online threats involving artificial intelligence (AI).
These include identity impersonation, deepfake videos, fake voices and other forms of digital manipulation.
Ahmad Zahid said Clause 23 specifically expands offences involving digital impersonation carried out through computer systems.
He explained that deepfake technology can produce fake images, videos and voices that are difficult to distinguish from genuine content.
As a result, existing laws need to be strengthened to address increasingly sophisticated online fraud.
Authorities to Receive Stronger Investigation Powers
The Bill also provides enforcement agencies with additional powers to investigate cybercrime cases more effectively.
According to Ahmad Zahid, these powers include:
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Clause 38: Preservation of computer data.
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Clause 39: Disclosure of computer data.
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Clause 40: Collection of traffic data.
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Clause 41: Interception of communications.
He said these measures are important because digital evidence can be deleted, changed or transferred within a short period.
However, the use of these investigative powers will remain subject to legal safeguards and prescribed procedures.
Malaysia Can Take Action Against Overseas Cybercriminals
The Bill also addresses cybercrime that crosses international borders.
Under Clause 2, legal action may be taken against offenders operating overseas if their crimes involve computer systems in Malaysia or Malaysian victims.
Ahmad Zahid said existing international cooperation arrangements would help authorities investigate and prosecute foreign offenders.
Where the necessary legal conditions are met, extradition to Malaysia may also be pursued.
Parliament Passed Cybercrime Bill in July
The Cybercrime Bill 2026 was passed by Parliament in July.
It aims to strengthen Malaysia’s legal framework against online fraud and other digital offences. It will also replace the Computer Crimes Act 1997.
Ahmad Zahid was responding to a question from Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol), who raised concerns about whether existing laws were sufficient to tackle AI-driven scams and protect victims.
The new provisions are intended to improve investigations, prevent the movement of suspected criminal proceeds and strengthen action against cybercrime syndicates.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
