9 August 2022

Press statement by Beliawanis MCA National Chairperson  Ivone Low Yi Wen


Combat cyberbullying; Save human lives



While society may not be able to annihilate cyberbullying entirely, enhancements to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) coupled with enforcement may help reduce cases. Stiffer penalties against bullies could be introduced into Section 233 (1) (b) of Act 588 which concerns humiliating a person, and Sections 211 and 233 which are related with using electronic devices to transmit any comment, request, suggestion or other communication which is obscene, indecent, false, menacing or offensive in character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass another person.

It is unfortunate that social media which was intended to share personal stories and joy, or convey information has been abused as a tool to harass, stalk and bully not only school children but adults too whilst bullies mask behind an anonymous identity.

News of a mother of three who is believed to have taken her own life after she was subjected to a barrage of hateful spews on her tik tok account leaves one dumbfounded. What drives bullies to emotionally torment another human being to such extremes?

Extending our fullest sympathies, Beliawanis MCA also recognises that no amount of words may comfort the grieving family.

This critical social issue cannot be ignored but must be addressed as victims often agonise in isolation and in silence. When their mental health is affected, they become restless, depressed, and likely will be afflicted with other health issues related with stress. Worst case scenario and seeing no hope or outlet, they may even commit suicide as befell the deceased.

Although the late victim did not lodge any reports on allegedly being a victim of cyber bullying, society cannot dismiss that she may have been traumatised and feared further reprisals.

Therefore, social awareness, becoming a pillar of support for victims and encouraging them to lodge reports with the Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission (MCMC) or police can help give some form of confidence. Inculcating values into pre-teens and adolescents to be empathetic so that they do not commit cyberbullying as students or even as adults may likewise build a more compassionate society.

-MCA online-