According to a local daily The Sun, The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) received more than 6,500 public complaints related to online harassment from 2020 to July 2021. And lately, several high-profile suicidal cases have been reported in local publications nationwide which originated from cyberbullying. The Cyber Bullying Research Centre stated that most high-profile suicide cases are due to cyberbullying, and it can hurt victims psychologically, emotionally, socially, physically, and finally, damage their behaviour and attitude. I asked Dato’ ‘Aliyah Karen the other day to talk more about this.
Hello Dato’. How do you see this cyberbullying situation in Malaysia today and why it is getting out of hand?
Thank you Azleen. I am enjoying the good reads and info available written by you on this new platform. The digital sphere is growing, and technology has advanced, living comfortably at everyone’s fingertips. Today, you’ll see almost every individual from as young as 10 with at least one mobile phone or gadget. We have ‘open excess’ to almost everything under the sun be it good or bad. You only need an email address and a username and password, and off you can go into this cyber world where you can be anyone you want to be. A 15-year-old female can be disguised as a 30-year-old male. A student goes into cyberspace as a teacher. A dishonest man introduces himself as a young businessman looking for love. We all know this and have heard a million such stories which have led to scams, kidnaps, thefts, etc.
In addition, today we have umpteen open active forums to chat and mingle with people across the globe. There are pros and cons to this ‘benefit’ we are enjoying. The digital world has brought us together super-fast. Cheap if not free. Everyone can have a voice. Can have a say. We can have good, valuable conversations with strangers, learn and grow. Sadly, many abuse this privilege by using that anonymous voice of theirs. They hide behind their handle name and shoot without fear, hurting others. They get a trill. They feel powerful. They constantly message hurtful comments, abuse, and in some cases even post pictures without permission, spread rumours and cause havoc to people’s lives. This is rampant in Malaysia today. Yes, it has got out of hand. Why? The laws drawn up in the 90s are on cybersecurity and not cyberbullying, unlike other countries where there are anti-cyberbullying laws in place and implemented. The Communications and Multimedia Minister in a press conference in March 2022 was quoted saying “Even the definition of offences under cyberbullying has yet to be formulated”
Unless we have strict laws and are ready to implement them cyberbullying will get worse. In 2020, we were ranked 2nd in Asia for cyberbullying amongst youth as reported by United Nations Children’s Fund Report.
What are the main reasons this is happening?
Besides the sad fact that there are no laws on cyberbullying many are oblivious and ignorant of what is cyberbullying. People are not aware that throwing harsh words, loading photos of others without permission, name-calling, hurling abuses, writing mean things about someone, sending anonymous emails which are damaging, and even online character assignation is bullying. There is a big difference between criticizing and bullying. The irony is many ‘victims’ do not officially lodge complaints, to the social media platforms and the police, who can take action against these bullies under Section 233 (1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
Is this unique to just Malaysia or other countries are also experiencing the same?
It has been reported via Cyberbullying statistics 2018-2022, that cyberbullying is on the rise worldwide. As mentioned, internet connectivity has its pros and cons. Communication barriers have been broken and we have become sociable, informed, and educated with the extent of news and educational material easily available. Unfortunately, these positive attributes are counterbalanced with dangerous consequences by those who conceal themselves behind a mask of anonymity.
Why, in your opinion, Malaysia is presently among the top countries in the world when it comes to cyberbullying?
We know the number of cyberbullying cases is on the rise because we hear of the consequences of the many devastating incidents which take place due to cyberbullying. Suicide and attempted suicide, running away, hurting themselves, going into depression and anxiety, and spiralling downward are all high on the list of reasons due to cyberbullying.
One question we as caring citizens and an educated society need to ask ourselves is why do we hear of all these sad instances and stories after they have taken place. The answers would and could lead us to many productive actions we can all take.
In my opinion, there’s a lack of awareness of bullying and what one should do when they are bullied or witness bullying. This awareness and information should be instilled from a very young age. Children should know it’s wrong to bully and their rights if they are bullied.
Let’s say we are a victim. The last thing we should do is to keep quiet about it, as it could be a lethal silent killer if we stay quiet. How best to get help as a cyberbullying victim?
Seek help and advice from those who would take you seriously. If you’re a student do tell your parents and teachers. Don’t be afraid of bullying and never put up with any sort of intimidation. Know your rights. Most importantly, block the bully and cut off all ties with them. You may read this article for more information, especially on what to do when you’re getting bullied.
How about the government, in what way they can help tackle cyberbullying as the Computer Crimes Act 1997 and the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 don’t seem to have an impact on the perpetrators?
While the Multimedia and Communications Ministry of Malaysia is looking at drawing up laws, the police should take reported cases seriously. Although we do not have a stand-alone cyber security law, there are several sporadic laws to counter cybercrimes including the sedition act 1948, penal code, case laws, and other specific guidelines and policies that lawyers could charge those keyboard warriors with.
Perpetrators should be traced, exposed, and banned from using online facilities. Many believe they cannot be tracked. Impose maximum fines and jail terms for electronic harassment. Students should be expelled from schools if their bullying or electronic harassment leads to serious injuries or death. Free or subsidized legal counsel can be provided to help families who can’t afford legal action against those who have caused harm to their family members.
How about the people, what can they do to help the victim?
Help report a crime. We should not have the attitude of knowing yet pretending not to know. Not wanting to be a busybody. There’s a Malay saying “jangan jaga tepi kain orang“. Hence, we believe it’s best not to get involved when we know or witness someone being bullied. That’s a strong No. We cannot sit back and watch in silence when we know someone is suffering or going down a dangerous path. Find them help. Everyone knows someone who knows someone who knows something.
Malaysia is too focused on educating, and it doesn’t quite work in this era. Education must be complemented by the right level of enforcement. What are your thoughts on this?
There is a lack of enforcement because we finger-point. Whose role is it to enforce rules and regulations, do’s and don’ts? That must be clear. Above all, we fail to educate on the consequences. What happens when you do something wrong? Many of us agree that it starts at home. While parents need to be responsible for their kids, they need to ensure the kids understand that they need to be responsible for their actions. As adults, we need to do what is right. We can help to push for change and cry foul when we witness what’s not right. Today, we need to be part of the change.
Let’s talk about Health On World Foundation. What is it all about?
The Yayasan Health on World (YHOW) or the Health On World Foundation was established in 2020 to advocate mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We believe in holistic well-being. The foundation runs many events, activities, talks, and learning sessions to educate the community on resilience and the need to advocate living right, holistically.
Does the Health On World Foundation offer specific help on cyberbullying?
We have written articles on cyberbullying and had open forums and talks to educate the public on bullying. Last year the Ministry of Health Malaysia tasked us with training community leaders on Physiological First Aid (PFA). This year we will be extending the same to Non-profit organizations that would be advocates and allies to identify and understand those who are spiralling down due to mental or emotional disturbances and challenges, which include cyberbullying. In addition, we offer counselling services for those who believe they are bullied. They can leave a voice or text message with us here at +6019 755 7708 and someone will attend to them within 24 hours.
Any parting words?
I am an advocate of human revolution. For the last two years, I have spoken and been on panel sessions and many platforms across Asia. I rarely decline invites where I can remind, educate, and help people understand that whatever difficulties they face, are not permanent. There are many kind people out there within reach who would help. Believe in asking for help. Cyberbullying is done by the weak, who have low self-esteem. They choose to make people as miserable as they are. Do not fall prey and be part of their victorious statistics. It can and should be stopped. To those who believe in doing right, put your compassion into action. ‘Don’t do charity, do humanity’ ‘Aliyah.
