By VEISHNAWI NEHRU

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is upset with the ongoing cyberbullying cases, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil (picture).

He said Anwar has requested the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to take strict action against cyberbullying cases. 

“We must stop cyberbullying. 

“We have also contacted TikTok to inform them that they need to be responsible and ready to cooperate with the ministry to tackle this issue. We will be meeting with them next week,” he said during a press conference on Friday.

Additionally, he suggested cabinet ministers conduct a national campaign to increase awareness of online safety, focusing on cyberbullying. 

“We want to ensure the internet is used safely, especially for children,” he said. 

Fahmi also raised the issue of fake accounts, with which cyberbullies could use without any repercussions. 

“Many victims of cyberbullying are suffering in silence. We are looking at how to reduce the number of fake accounts, especially those used for illegal activities,” he said. 

He added that the ministry will also consider the need to establish or draft a new act for cyberbullying. 

“For now, the laws we have are enough,” he said .

Meanwhile, Fahmi mentioned that Budget 2025 will be tabled on Oct 18. 

He said Anwar has directed ministers to hold engagement and dialogue sessions with stakeholders to gather feedback and views from industries, as well as address the challenges they face.

“The Finance Ministry will look at the feedback and suggestions from stakeholders to see how they can be included in the Budget 2025,” he said.