EDITOR'S PICK

Malaysians have a responsibility to treat one another with respect and speak politely and courteously.

Especially in the context of preserving public well-being, particularly the younger generation from inappropriate online content and cyberbullying.

This as exposure to harmful content is one of the negative impacts of advances in digital technology.

This includes threatening, humiliating or intimidating someone through electronic platforms, especially social media.

Today's challenges also include online fraud and gambling crimes as well as sexual crimes against children.

Now take for example, sexual crimes against children.

According to the Statistics Department, Malaysia recorded an increase in the number of cases last year compared to the previous year.

In fact, the number of sexual offences involving children reported to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) increased by 26.5% in 2023, totalling 1,567 cases, compared with 1,239 cases in 2022.

Child pornography cases alone soared 139.3 percent while child grooming recorded a 100 percent increase and non-physical sexual assault, 97 percent.

Apart from that, the country also recorded up to 1.224 billion ringgit in losses due to online fraud crimes.

This large figure was recorded in the period from january to october this year.

The types of fraud include fake investments, non-existent loans and telecommunications crimes.

In this regard, it's time for all parties to act.

On the government's part, a bill related to online safety is expected to be enacted in the Dewan Rakyat in the near future.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had previously said the bill would be comprehensive and look at tackling potential future cybercrime challenges...

especially for children who use the internet as their daily medium of communication.

It is also quite possible that a regulation could be made to determine the maturity level for individuals to use social media platforms.

It is important to realise and be aware of the challenges in the digitalization era that are becoming increasingly complex amid advances in Artificial Intelligence or A.I. technology.

A.I. not only brings various benefits, but can also pose threats to online users if used unethically.

Simply put, when technology enables the creation of false identities, the exploitation of personal data and the violation of privacy, the drafting of legislation covering online safety should not be seen as restricting freedom of expression.

The removal of content deemed harmful through legal means such as online safety legislation should not be seen as restricting freedom of expression.

The right to freedom of expression is enshrined in the Federal Constitution, as long as it is not seditious.

This as previously emphasized by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform).

According to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, there must be a balance in the context of freedom of expression.

It does not give a person the right to commit any offense that is subject to the law.

Indeed, the provision of a legal framework for online security is essential.

The government has the right to demand that online service providers act more proactively to curb criminal activities on their respective platforms...

and to protect children under 13 and block access to harmful content for their safety and that of their families.

However, all efforts will be meaningless if there is no cooperation in society to practice self-control together.

Take the time and initiative to find out about steps to take when faced with online safety issues.

Do not easily fall for individuals who suddenly want to befriend you on the internet and certainly don't be tempted to transfer money to a third party account.

Always remember to check the validity of the phone number or account number listed.

And when in doubt, visit the PDRM's Semak Mule portal.

Editor's pick was prepared by RTM Radio News Editor, Affendi Abdul Karim and translated by Karmila Badri.