Law in Malaysia

Computer Crimes Act 1997

Section 3 of the Computer Crime Act, 1997 did cover for the offences related to unauthorised access to computer material. The example of unauthorised access is including the  recreational of hacking, system intrusion, and unauthorised access to the computer, computer system or computer network. This section state that:

“a person guilty under this section is liable to a maximum RM 50,000.00 fine or to 5 years imprisonment or to both.”

Section 5 of the Computer Crime Act, 1997 did cover for the offences related to an unauthorised modification of the contents of any computer. For example, a person will guilty under this section when he or she defaces the company website or unauthorised to modify the data. The offences under this section are punishable with a maximum RM 100,000.00 fine or to 7 years imprisonment or to both. However, if the act is done with a further intention of causing injury, it can be punished up to RM 150,000.00 fine or 10 years imprisonment or both.

In my opinion, the fine should be raised as it is the increasing of cyber vandalism cases. So, it is important for the government to consider about revision and amendments the act to reduce the happening of cyber vandalism.

Penal Code

The Penal Code is a law that codifies most criminal offences and procedures in Malaysia.

Section 477 of Penal Code, did cover for the offences related to whoever fraudulent cancellation, destruction, defaces, or intent to cause damage or injury to the public or any person. The offences under this section are punishable by imprisonment for a term which may extend to twenty years, and shall be liable to fine.