KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the proposed Cyber Crime Bill will provide a broader legal framework to address the misuse of digital platforms, including the promotion of same-sex dating applications.
In a written parliamentary reply, Zahid said while the draft law does not contain specific provisions targeting queer dating apps, it is designed to curb high-tech cyber-crimes and strengthen enforcement against digital abuse.
“The drafting of the Cyber Crime Bill is a proactive move by the government to curb high tech cyber-crimes, including offences linked to same-sex dating apps.
“Although the bill has no specific provision that deals with same-sex dating apps, the legal framework introduced will form the basis to curb the abuse of the digital system, including the risk of cyber- crimes stemming from queer dating apps,” he was quoted saying in FMT.
He was responding to Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut), who had asked about the government’s plans to address same-sex dating applications through the new legislation.
The Cyber Crime Bill is set to replace the Computer Crimes Act 1997.
According to Zahid licensed service providers also bear responsibility in reducing harmful or inappropriate content directed at users, including content linked to queer dating applications.
He stressed that enforcement would be carried out within the existing legal framework, noting that homosexual acts remain an offence under Malaysian law.
The government, he said remains committed to strengthening cyber governance and ensuring digital platforms are not misused for activities that contravene the law.
