Doxing is a criminal offence in Malaysia, warns the IGP, with police ready to act under multiple laws against unauthorised personal data sharing.
KUALA LUMPUR: The unauthorised disclosure of personal information, known as doxing, is a criminal offence.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail stressed the right to data protection applies equally to all and cannot excuse retaliation or online abuse.
“The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) emphasises that sharing, revealing, or publishing someone’s private details without permission, such as their home address, phone number, identity card number, or family information, constitutes a crime and is unacceptable under any circumstances,” he said in a statement.
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Such acts may be investigated under several laws, including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the Personal Data Protection Act 2010.
Offences can also fall under Sections 507E, 507F(1), or 507F(2) of the Penal Code.
Khalid urged the public to use digital platforms responsibly and ethically and to refrain from sharing others’ personal information.
“We will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found to be breaking these laws, to ensure public safety,” he warned.
He added that PDRM has noted the statement by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail concerning the recent online circulation of a private individual’s personal information.
Media reports stated that Saifuddin Nasution has urged the public to refrain from making threats, engaging in online harassment, or disclosing the personal details of a former news portal journalist and his family, following the man’s remarks at a recent public forum. – Bernama
