How will the Online Safety Act 2025 curb rising cyber threats in Malaysia?

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The Online Safety Act 2025 Aims to Enhance Digital Platform Accountability and User Protection Against Cyber Threats

The Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) is designed to significantly bolster the accountability of digital platforms and enhance the safety of Malaysian cyberspace users. This legislation mandates digital platform providers to assume greater responsibility in protecting the public from escalating cyber threats, which have had a substantial societal impact. The Act came into force on January 1, having been gazetted on May 22.
ONSA Mandates Greater Platform Responsibility for User Protection

ONSA requires digital platform providers to take a more active role in safeguarding users from serious cyber threats. This increased responsibility is crucial given the significant financial and social costs associated with online criminal activities. The Act specifically targets the proliferation of harmful content and aims to close off avenues exploited by cybercriminals.
Significant Financial Losses Underscore the Need for ONSA

The urgency for legislation like ONSA is highlighted by substantial financial losses experienced by Malaysians due to online fraud. Between January 2023 and November 2025 alone, Malaysians incurred RM2.77 billion in losses from online fraud. This figure underscores the pervasive nature of cybercrime and the need for robust measures to combat it.
Addressing Online Child Exploitation and Harmful Content

The Act also directly confronts the alarming rise in online child sexual exploitation and the dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). From January 2021 to November 2025, 688 cases of online child sexual exploitation were recorded, with an additional 351 cases related to CSAM documented between January 2021 and October 2025. ONSA imposes explicit obligations on platforms to manage high-risk content, including child sexual abuse material, pornography, obscene content, and content related to self-harm.
A Whole-of-Government Approach to Combat Cybercrime

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will collaborate with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, relevant ministries, and digital platform providers through a whole-of-government approach. This coordinated effort aims to ensure swift, systematic, and effective action against cybercrime. Furthermore, PDRM is committed to enhancing its internal preparedness by increasing digital monitoring capabilities, refining investigation processes, and strengthening strategic information sharing to bolster the nation's digital defence.

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How will the Online Safety Act 2025 curb rising cyber threats in Malaysia?

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