KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 – Malaysia will be able to take legal action against cybercriminals operating overseas if their crimes involve local computer systems or Malaysian victims.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the power is provided under Clause 2 of the Cyber Crime Bill 2026.
This means foreign-based offenders could face action under Malaysian law, even if they operate outside the country.
The government can also work with other countries to investigate and prosecute these offenders. Extradition to Malaysia may be pursued when the necessary legal conditions are met.
New Law Targets Cross-Border Cybercrime
Parliament passed the Cyber Crime Bill 2026 in July.
The Bill aims to replace the Computer Crimes Act 1997. It also seeks to close gaps in existing laws, especially those involving cross-border cybercrime and online scams.
Ahmad Zahid said the new law would help authorities respond to crimes involving artificial intelligence (AI).
These include identity impersonation, deepfake videos and digital manipulation.
Law Covers AI Scams and Deepfakes
Under Clause 23, the Bill expands offences involving impersonation through computer systems.
This is important because AI can now create fake videos, images and voices that look or sound real.
Criminals can use these tools to impersonate other people and deceive the public.
The new provision aims to strengthen legal action against such activities.
Police Get More Powers to Investigate Cybercrime
The Bill also gives enforcement agencies stronger investigative powers.
Clauses 38 to 41 cover four key areas:
- Data preservation: Keeping important digital evidence safe.
- Data disclosure: Obtaining relevant information for investigations.
- Traffic data collection: Gathering information about digital communications.
- Communications interception: Monitoring communications when legally authorised.
These powers are important because criminals can quickly delete, change or move digital evidence.
However, authorities must follow the safeguards set out under the law.
Courts Can Protect Victims Before Charges Are Filed
The Bill also introduces measures to protect victims of cybercrime.
Under Clause 54, courts can issue orders to stop unlawful activities and prevent criminal assets from being moved or hidden.
These orders can be requested by the Public Prosecutor or an authorised officer.
Importantly, the court can issue them even before a suspect is formally charged.
The available orders include:
- Cessation orders to stop unlawful activities.
- Restitution orders to help victims recover their losses.
- Compliance orders to require legal requirements to be followed.
- Property restriction orders to prevent suspected criminal assets from being transferred or dissipated.
Stronger Protection Against Online Scams
The Cyber Crime Bill 2026 aims to strengthen Malaysia’s response to increasingly complex cybercrime.
It gives authorities wider powers to investigate digital offences and pursue offenders across borders.
It also introduces stronger measures to protect victims and address scams involving AI technology.
Source : PRESS KL | Rewritten By Minutesmy
