cyber law

CYBER LAW 

What is Cyber Law? 

Cyber law refers to any laws relating to protecting the Internet and 

other online communication technologies. 

NEEDS FOR CYBER LAW 

In the recent years, many concerns and issues were raised on the integrity and security of 

information, legal status of online transactions, privacy and confidentiality of information, 

intellectual property rights and security of government data placed on the Internet. 

These concerns and issues clearly indicate why cyber laws are needed in online activities. 

THE CYBER LAW ACTS IN MALAYSIA 

The Malaysian Government has already passed several cyber laws to control and reduce the 

Internet abuse. These cyber laws include: 

• Digital Signature Act 1997 

• Computer Crimes Act 1997 

• Telemedicine Act 1997 

• Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 

Beside these cyber laws, there are three other cyber laws being drafted.   

• Private Data Protection Bill 

• Electronic Government Activities Bill 

• Electronic Transactions Bill   

Digital Signature Act 1997 

The Digital Signature Act 1997 secures electronic communications 

especially on the Internet. Digital Signature is an identity verification 

standard that uses encryption techniques to protect against e-mail 

forgery. The encrypted code consists of the user’s name and a hash of 

all the parts of the message. 

By attaching the digital signature, one can ensure that nobody can eavesdrop, intercept or 

temper with transmitted data. 

CYBER LAW 

Integrity and Security 

of Information 

Legal Status of Online 

Transactions 

Privacy and Confidentially 

of Information 

Security of 

Government Data 

Intellectual Property 

Rights

Computer Crimes Act 1997 

The Computer Crimes Act 1997 gives protection against the misuses 

of computers and computer criminal activities such as unauthorised 

use of programmes, illegal transmission of data or  messages over 

computers and hacking and cracking of computer systems and 

networks. 

By implementing the Computer Crimes Act 1997, users can protect 

their rights to privacy and build trust in the computer system. At the 

same time, the government can have control at a certain level over cyberspace to reduce 

cyber crime activities. 

Telemedicine Act 1997 

The Telemedicine Act 1997 ensures that only qualified medical 

practitioners can practice telemedicine and that their patient's rights 

and interests are protected. These act provides the future 

development and delivery of healthcare in Malaysia.

Communications And Multimedia Act 1998 

The implementation of Communication and Telecommunication Act 

1998 ensures that information is secure, the network is reliable and 

the service is affordable all over Malaysia. This Act also ensures high 

level of user's confidence in the information and communication technology industry .