MP SPEAKS | Deadly cyberbullying trend demands urgent action

MP SPEAKS | In the digital era, cyberbullying has emerged as a sinister and pervasive issue, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

Conducted through electronic means, this modern form of harassment has led to severe psychological distress and, in the most tragic cases, driven individuals to take their own lives.

In Malaysia, the situation is dire, with a growing number of suicides linked to cyberbullying. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for stronger laws and heftier penalties to combat this menace effectively.

Unlike traditional bullying, it can occur 24/7, and the anonymity provided by the internet often emboldens perpetrators. Victims are left feeling helpless, their tormentors hiding behind screens and avatars.

The relentless nature of cyberbullying exacerbates the victim’s sense of isolation and despair, sometimes pushing them to the brink. 

A study by the Malaysian Mental Health Association found that at least 20 percent of youth suicides in recent years were linked to cyberbullying. These numbers highlight an urgent need for comprehensive action to address and mitigate the impacts of this deadly trend.

Sharp rise alarming

Reports from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) revealed a sharp increase in cyberbullying cases, with several tragic suicides attributed to online harassment.

As of 2024, the MCMC has received a significant number of complaints regarding online harassment. Since 2020, there have been 6,598 complaints related to online bullying and sexual harassment up until July of this year.

Additionally, from 2016 to 2021, MCMC recorded a total of 15,238 complaints concerning online harassment

Exact figures can be hard to pin down due to underreporting and the stigma but the statistics we do have are alarming. The connection between cyberbullying and suicide is both well-documented and deeply concerning, where victims often find themselves overwhelmed by the constant barrage of negative comments, threats, and public shaming.

Malaysia’s legal framework includes the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the Penal Code, which criminalises using network facilities or services to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass another person.

However, the penalties - typically fines and imprisonment - are often insufficient to deter perpetrators.

Enforcing these laws is also challenging due to the anonymous nature of online interactions and the difficulties involved in tracing cyberbullies. Moreover, the absence of specific legislation targeting cyberbullying leaves victims without adequate legal recourse.

Powerful deterrent

However, to effectively combat this menace, Malaysia needs dedicated laws that clearly define cyberbullying, outline victims’ rights, and establish comprehensive penalties for offenders.

Proposing higher fines and longer imprisonment terms for cyberbullying can serve as a powerful deterrent as it sends out a clear message that such forms of harassment are not tolerated.

Launching public awareness campaigns about the consequences of cyberbullying and legal repercussions can also play a significant role in prevention.

For example, initiating educational programmes in schools and communities that can help empower individuals to recognise and combat cyberbullying could help dispel the stigma of shame.

At the same time, providing counselling and legal assistance can help victims recover from psychological damage and pursue justice.

Critical juncture

Internet penetration in Malaysia is relatively high for a country whose population stands at roughly 34.7 million people. As of January 2024, around 33.59 million internet users have been reported putting our country’s internet penetration rate at 97.4 percent of the total population.

Additionally, according to Meltwater, an online media monitoring company, the number of social media user identities has increased by 20 percent, where a total of 28.68 million people actively maintaining some form of social media presence, with TikTok being the second most “favourite” social media platform.

In the fight against cyberbullying, we stand at a critical juncture. The tragic cases of lives lost have not only drawn national attention but also spurred decisive moves by authorities.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil’s call for social media platforms to step up and take responsibility is a crucial step towards addressing this pervasive issue but the public must do their part in combatting this digital malice.

We can no longer shrug off how essential social media has become in our daily lives and must find ways to empower our communities.

As we move forward, our collective goal is clear: to build an online world where kindness prevails, and individuals are protected from the harms of cyberbullying.

The tragic trend of cyberbullying driving individuals to suicide is a stark reminder of the devastating power of online harassment.

By enacting specific legislation, increasing penalties, and enhancing support systems, Malaysia can take significant steps towards eradicating cyberbullying and ensuring a safer digital environment for all.

The time for action is now. The lives and well-being of countless individuals depend on it.

SYERLEENA ABDUL RASHID is the MP for Bukit Bendera.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.