Cyber Crime Bill provides for action against offenders abroad, says Ahmad Zahid
The bill also covers computer-based impersonation, investigative powers and court orders to protect victims of cybercrime.
Malaysia can pursue cybercriminals based abroad when Malaysian systems are involved or Malaysian citizens are victims, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. Clause 2 of the Cyber Crime Bill 2026 allows such offences to be treated as having occurred in Malaysia.
In a written parliamentary reply, Ahmad Zahid said the government was using existing international cooperation arrangements to investigate and prosecute overseas offenders. Extradition to Malaysia could also be pursued where the requirements were met.
He was answering Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol), who asked whether Malaysia’s legal framework could address AI-powered scams, including impersonation and deepfakes, and what provisions were being strengthened to tackle syndicates and protect victims.
Ahmad Zahid said Parliament passed the bill in July. It was drafted to replace the Computer Crimes Act 1997 (Act 563) and close legal gaps concerning offences across borders and AI misuse. He said Clause 23 broadened computer-based impersonation offences to address deepfake threats.
Investigators would have powers under Clauses 38 to 41 to preserve and obtain disclosure of data, collect traffic data and intercept communications, with prescribed safeguards. Ahmad Zahid said swift action was necessary because digital evidence could quickly be erased, changed or moved.
For victim protection, he said Clause 54 allows courts to order measures to prevent or halt violations when a public prosecutor or authorised officer applies, even before a suspect is charged. Available measures include cessation, restitution and compliance orders, as well as asset restraints intended to prevent assets such as scam proceeds from being dissipated.
