The world is moving at a faster pace as technology evolves and along with it, the mouth that utters vulgar words. This proves that the change does not only alter the mode of communication, it also influences an individuals’ interactions and behaviour.
The advancement of the technology has lead to the proliferation of hate speech in social media platforms like Instagram, X, Whatsapp, Facebook and Telegram.
Hate speech is a speech that expresses hatred and stirs up violence against individuals or groups based on gender, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Hate speech can be compared to a poison or a drug as its effect is widespread and long-lasting.
Social media readiness has a prominent influence as it can control the mind and the soul of the society. The content available in social media can greatly impact an individual’s emotions and views.
As a result, society is often faced with the battle between reality and the perception shaped by the media. Not only that, the public's view on an issue can be easily influenced with hate speech. This will lead to hostility and crimes against humanity.
Individuals who make online hate speech are called keyboard warriors or faceless warriors. They are fearless in typing with their keyboard or phone screen in order to convey their arguments or opinions without giving thoughts on rationality, manners or the victim’s feelings.
These individuals are responsible for the surge in cyberbullying that is becoming more common. Cyber bullying has become the third biggest threat in Malaysia behind online fraud and hacking.
Statistics on cyberbullying in Malaysia until October 2023 has shown a significant rise from the total of 3,887 cases in 2022 to 4,994 cases.
The result of this statistics is concerning as the matter is getting more serious as the years go by. Disciplinary issues among school students are increasing as it is also intertwined with cyber bullying.
Online hate speech has become the norm in daily life especially among youngsters including students from either school or higher education institutions. Moreover, it has also become a trend among them.
Nowadays, teenagers are brought up in an environment rich with technology and most parents are not aware or take seriously about the importance of educating their children about the limiting their exposure in technology.
If this issue is not handled well, misuse of social media will become more and more prevalent and it can deeply impact the victims of the bullying.
Factors that contribute to bullying and cyberbullying are closely related to one another. One of the pressing issues that cause cyberbullying among students is racism.
As a nation that is built on multiracial people, racism is not a foreign thing experienced by the people in this country. This issue includes everyone of various ages, school students included.
Bullying culture based on the living status of the students is one of the main factors of cyberbullying, especially for students from families with limited financial resources.
Sharing inappropriate pictures and videos are also one of the cyberbullying factors. Bullies will spread private intimate pictures or videos with the intention to embarrass or threaten the victim.
Failure from certain parties from taking the initiative to curb this issue will result in this matter becoming harder to resolve.
Cyberbullying can lead to various consequences, including psychological, physical, social, and academic impacts. Bullying victims will feel stressed and thus will lead to depression or worse, suicide.
This usually happens because the victims are no longer able to face the extreme mental pressure.
An incident in Padawan, Sarawak involves a teenager who reportedly committed suicide after an online vote asking the teenagers to do so. This case has gained the attention of the Malaysian Psychiatric Association’s patron, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Early prevention can be done by giving full attention to the victims. This is because, in most cases, bullied victims are scared to complain or express their problems.
This happens because there is a negative stigma placed on victims once they come forward with their problems.
Based on the existing legal provision in this country, there are three laws related to hate speech offences.
Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, is deliberate humiliation of an individual to incite public disharmony.
Section 505 of the Penal Code is about creating, publishing or spreading rumours that cause fear to the public. Both acts can either be fined or imprisonment for up to two years.
The latest law under Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act is the offence of the facilities or internet services that can be fined up to RM50,000 and or 1 year of imprisonment.
In Islam, speaking kind words and gentle speeches are encouraged as virtuous actions that bring about goodness.
Allah SWT commands Muslims to speak words that are kind and beneficial to others. It is proven in surah al-Baqarah verse 83, Allah SWT revealed: “Speak kind words to people”.
A Malay proverb “dikulum menjadi manikam, dimuntah menjadi sekam” highlights the importance of choosing our words carefully as it is better to stay silent than to speak. We should always think before we speak, will it benefits or harm others?
In an effort to raise the awareness and address the hate speech in the context of Malaysian law, students from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, UiTM Shah Alam will hold a programme under the initiative of Service Learning Malaysia-University for Society (SULAM) with collaboration from Generasi Madani (GenMADANI).
This is one of the Ministry of Education (MOE)’s aim to cultivate a generation of Malaysians who are civilised, ethical, and have integrity.
The program "Apa Ke Hei Kome Ni Yeop?" will raise awareness and educate 105 Form Four students from Kolej Vokasional Ipoh, Perak, about issues concerning online hate speech.
SULAM is a community program run by communication students from the MC244 programme, Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons.) Advertising, UiTM Shah Alam.
Fatin Nabilah Anuar
Public Relations Department
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam.
This article is translated from the original Malay article. It is the personal view of the writer and does not represent RTM's official view or stand.