Malaysia’s proposed AI Governance Bill will impose a statutory duty of care on developers to manage risks, with accountability based on system risk levels
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed Artificial Intelligence Governance Bill will introduce a statutory duty of care for parties developing and implementing AI systems.
Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong said this is to manage risks and prevent harm.
He told the Dewan Rakyat the bill is being formulated according to governance principles, including accountability across the entire AI lifecycle.
“The bill places emphasis on clear and transparent responsibilities for all relevant parties, so that accountability can be traced through the system’s chain of ownership, operation, and control,” he said.
He was replying to a question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) on how the law would tackle legal issues like capacity and intent.
Wilson said legal capacity, intent and reasonable cause are among the bill’s key focus areas.
In-depth research is being undertaken, taking into account international standards and stakeholder consultations.
Any negative impacts of AI would be addressed under existing laws, depending on the context.
The proposed AI Governance Act would strengthen governance of AI systems specifically.
He said the act would also emphasise protecting human rights and individuals as key foundations of accountability.
This ensures digital development aligns with justice, security, human dignity and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Wilson said the National AI Office (NAIO) has established seven working groups since January 2025.
They bring together 170 experts from various sectors as a collaborative platform.
He said this ensures inclusive and ethical AI development in the country.
The groups involve representatives from the public, private and industry sectors, academia, and civil society organisations.
International experts and the Malaysian diaspora are also involved.
Wilson said the involvement of various parties is important to ensure the country’s AI strategy is not driven in a single direction.
It is being developed based on comprehensive input from the ecosystem to support economic growth.
He said this in response to a supplementary question on the list of working group members.
The question also covered concerns over AI misuse and accountability in cases of wrongdoing.
