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BBC NewsDec 13, 2023
Malaysia Addressing Cyberbullying After Death of TikToker
Above: A live stream from a temple is broadcast through social media on May 26, 2021 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Image copyright: Annice Lyn/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Malaysia announced on Tuesday that authorities are drafting amendments to the penal code to criminalize cyberbullying as well as a new law to hold internet providers liable.
This comes as TikTok user Rajeswary Appahu was found dead from an apparent suicide on July 5, reportedly just a day after filing a police report over online threats.
The Spin
Narrative A
This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of cyberbullying and the urgent need for strict laws to curb it. Malaysia lacks adequate cyber safety awareness, education, and legislation, making its citizens vulnerable to online harassment and other crimes. It's vital to establish a dedicated national cyber safety agency and a support center for cybercrime victims.
Narrative B
While this tragedy was completely avoidable and must be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest, caution is also warranted in terms of a national approach as claims of cyberbullying can be exaggerated. There's no empirical evidence that this phenomenon has increased dramatically in recent years and, given such uncertainties, Malaysian authorities would be better served by taking a nuanced approach to the problem.