Malaysia has entered 2026 with a significant push to strengthen cyber protection for its citizens and businesses as the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) officially comes into force — a move the country’s top police official says is crucial in the fight against growing cyber threats.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail highlighted that the new law compels digital platforms to take greater responsibility for guarding users against harmful online activities and cybercrime.
📈 Why This Matters: Cybercrime Impact in Malaysia
Malaysia has seen a sharp increase in online offences in recent years. According to police data, Malaysians suffered losses of RM2.77 billion from online fraud between January 2023 and November 2025 — a strong indicator that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient.
Beyond financial scams, offences involving online child abuse material (CSAM) and exploitation also showed worrying trends, prompting authorities to prioritise not just crime suppression but prevention through regulation and accountability.
🛡 What the Online Safety Act Does
The Online Safety Act 2025 introduces a more proactive regulatory framework that:
- Holds digital platforms accountable for content that could endanger users
- Requires tougher safeguards against harmful, obscene, or criminal online material
- Mandates platform cooperation with law enforcement during investigations
- Targets online fraud, identity theft, and extremist content
- Helps protect users — especially vulnerable groups — from exposure to digital harm
Under the law, applications, content services, and network providers are expected to implement safety measures, reporting tools, and user support mechanisms to reduce risks associated with their platforms.
🤝 A Whole-of-Government Approach
According to the IGP, enforcement of the Online Safety Act is part of a whole-of-government strategy involving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), relevant ministries, and digital platform partners. This collaboration aims to make cybercrime response faster, more systematic, and more effective.
In tandem with regulatory controls, authorities say they are also boosting their own digital monitoring and investigative capabilities, suggesting a broader government commitment to safeguarding Malaysia’s digital environment.
💡 What This Means for Businesses and Users
For Malaysian businesses — especially those operating online or relying on digital platforms — the Online Safety Act signals that:
- Platforms must improve content filtering and security controls
- Cyber threat exposure will be monitored more actively
- Collaboration with law enforcement may increase
- Digital accountability is becoming a regulatory requirement, not just good practice
For individual users, the new law aims to reduce exposure to scams, misinformation, and harmful content, offering stronger legal footing for a safer online experience.
📌 Final Takeaway: Digital Safety Starts With Shared Responsibility
As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication — from financial scams to harmful online content — Malaysia’s Online Safety Act represents a broader shift toward regulated digital stewardship. Authorities are pushing not just for stronger policing but for platform accountability and shared responsibility among service providers and users alike.
In 2026 and beyond, digital safety is expected to be a key component of national security, business integrity, and public well-being in Malaysia.