The Online Safety Act 2025 aims to hold digital platforms accountable for harmful content and cybercrime, as police report massive financial losses and rising child exploitation cases.
KUALA LUMPUR: The enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) is a critical step to strengthen digital platform accountability and protect users, according to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the act mandates greater responsibility for platform providers in shielding the public from serious cyber threats.
PDRM records show Malaysians lost RM2.77 billion to online fraud between January 2023 and November 2025.
The same period saw an alarming rise in online child sexual exploitation, with 688 cases recorded from January 2021 to November 2025.
A further 351 cases related to Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) were logged from January 2021 to October 2025.
Mohd Khalid stated ONSA is vital for ensuring providers curb harmful content and close avenues for cybercriminal activity.
The act reinforces measures against child exploitation, online fraud, identity theft, and extremist content.
This aligns with PDRM’s commitment to public protection and a secure future cyber environment.
PDRM will collaborate closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, relevant ministries, and platform providers.
This whole-of-government approach aims for swifter, more systematic, and effective action against cybercrime.
Mohd Khalid said PDRM is committed to strengthening internal preparedness through enhanced digital monitoring and improved investigation processes.
He expressed confidence that ONSA will bolster user protection and enhance the integrity of the national digital space.
The act, gazetted on May 22 and in force from today, introduces a proactive regulatory framework.
It imposes explicit obligations on platforms to manage high-risk content like CSAM, pornography, obscenity, and self-harm material.
