Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association supports the Cyber Crime Bill 2026, citing urgent need to tackle rising cyber threats and protect users.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) has expressed its full support for the introduction of the Cyber Crime Bill 2026, describing it as a crucial step to strengthen user security and the nation’s digital ecosystem.
In a statement today, MCCA emphasised that the enactment of the law can no longer be delayed given the rise in cyber threats, including ransomware attacks, intrusions into National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII), and data breaches.
According to the association, an approach that mandates all traffic data interception and computer access actions to obtain prior judicial approval risks undermining the capability of enforcement agencies to act swiftly when facing cyber threats.
“Cyber threats move as fast as milliseconds, and a delay of several hours or minutes in securing a court warrant will give cybercriminals ample opportunity to completely take over systems or remotely erase evidence,” the statement read.
MCCA stated that provisions within the bill, including Clause 38 regarding the expedited preservation of computer data, as well as Clauses 40 and 41 concerning the real-time collection of traffic data and interception with the Public Prosecutor’s consent, are vital mechanisms for tackling cyber threats.
It said such powers would enable agencies like the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to take immediate action to block criminal activities and protect user data.
“In cases of online scams and identity theft, the speed of tracking IP addresses and blocking the criminals’ communication data is a key factor in mitigating victim losses,” it said.
However, MCCA agreed that a check-and-balance mechanism must be established to prevent abuse of power, proposing the implementation of a Post-Action Judicial Review.
Through this mechanism, the association said authorities would be permitted to block and mitigate threats first, but would be required to report and validate those actions to the court within 24 to 48 hours.
MCCA also urged all parties to evaluate the Cyber Crime Bill 2026 from a national security perspective to ensure the country’s laws possess the sharp capabilities needed to defeat digital criminals.
