cyber law

What is Cyber Law? 
Cyber law refers to any laws relating to protecting the Internet and 
other online communication technologies. 
NEEDS FOR CYBER LAW 
In the recent years, many concerns and issues were raised on the integrity and security of 
information, legal status of online transactions, privacy and confidentiality of information, 
intellectual property rights and security of government data placed on the Internet. 


CYBER LAW

Integrity and Security of Information

Security of Government Data

Legal Status of Online Transactions 
Privacy and Confidentially of Information

Intellectual Property Rights 

These concerns and issues clearly indicate why cyber laws are needed in online activities. 
THE CYBER LAW ACTS IN MALAYSIA 
The Malaysian Government has already passed several cyber laws to control and reduce the 
Internet abuse. These cyber laws include: 
• Digital Signature Act 1997 
• Computer Crimes Act 1997 
• Telemedicine Act 1997 
• Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 
Beside these cyber laws, there are three other cyber laws being drafted.   
• Private Data Protection Bill 
• Electronic Government Activities Bill 
• Electronic Transactions Bill   
Digital Signature Act 1997 
The Digital Signature Act 1997 secures electronic communications 
especially on the Internet. Digital Signature is an identity verification 
standard that uses encryption techniques to protect against e-mail 
forgery. The encrypted code consists of the user’s name and a hash of 
all the parts of the message. 
By attaching the digital signature, one can ensure that nobody can eavesdrop, intercept or

temper with transmitted data.



Computer Crimes Act 1997 
The Computer Crimes Act 1997 gives protection against the misuses 
of computers and computer criminal activities such as unauthorised 
use of programmes, illegal transmission of data or  messages over 
computers and hacking and cracking of computer systems and 
networks. 
By implementing the Computer Crimes Act 1997, users can protect 
their rights to privacy and build trust in the computer system. At the 
same time, the government can have control at a certain level over cyberspace to reduce 
cyber crime activities. 
Telemedicine Act 1997 
The Telemedicine Act 1997 ensures that only qualified medical 
practitioners can practice telemedicine and that their patient's rights 
and interests are protected. These act provides the future 
development and delivery of healthcare in Malaysia.
Communications And Multimedia Act 1998 
The implementation of Communication and Telecommunication Act 
1998 ensures that information is secure, the network is reliable and 
the service is affordable all over Malaysia. This Act also ensures high 
level of user's confidence in the information and communication technology industry.