Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
Singapore is strengthening its arsenal against fraud with sweeping new laws that criminalize the supply and use of online accounts for scams across social media and marketplace platforms, while dramatically increasing penalties for non-compliant service providers.
Malaysia will establish a dedicated Social Work Profession Council after the Social Work Profession Act comes into force, Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying announced. The council will regulate practitioners and set professional standards.
A Parliamentary Select Committee chaired by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said will begin reviewing the Freedom of Information Bill 2026, with its first meeting focusing on establishing terms of reference and evaluating stakeholder concerns about the legislation's breadth.
The Dewan Negara has passed the Social Work Profession Bill 2026, creating a Malaysian Social Work Profession Council to regulate practitioners, set competency standards, and protect public welfare.
Malaysia's parliament has approved the Statistics Bill 2026, which Minister Akmal Nasrullah says will be gazetted by year-end. The modernised legislation replaces the 1965 Statistics Act and establishes safeguards for data independence and comprehensive statistical governance.
Malaysia's parliament has approved legislation expanding the nation's legal authority to prosecute child sexual offenders who operate across international borders, responding to a sharp rise in cases involving foreign nationals.
Malaysia's revised Witness Protection Bill introduces one-off financial assistance for programme participants upon exit, addressing a gap in current support mechanisms and enhancing witness safety during transition.
Malaysia faces a deepening online fraud crisis with over 8,000 charges filed, prompting Deputy Prime Minister Zahid to champion the Cyber Crime Bill 2026 as a critical defence against escalating digital crimes.
Malaysia's parliament has passed two significant pieces of legislation—the KWAN 2026 and Statistics Bill 2026—designed to strengthen the National Trust Fund's governance and replace outdated data collection laws with modern international standards.
Malaysia's Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is comprehensively reviewing the Child Act 2001 in response to 159 recommendations from the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, focusing on enhanced protections and implementation.
Malaysia's Dewan Negara has approved the Cyber Security Bill 2026, a comprehensive replacement for outdated 1997 legislation. The eight-part Bill makes all cybercrimes extraditable offences and targets criminal abuse of emerging technologies.
Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat concluded a 16-day parliamentary sitting with the passage of 13 bills covering transport safety, child protection, cybercrime, and competition law. Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul urged MPs to maintain health standards.
Malaysia's parliament has approved the Social Work Profession Bill 2026, formally recognising social work as a regulated profession. The legislation establishes the Malaysian Social Work Profession Council to set standards, issue practising certificates, and strengthen public confidence in social services.
Parliament has approved amendments to Malaysia's telecommunications framework, introducing national security provisions and expanding universal service obligations to underserved areas while ensuring no new charges burden consumers.
The Malaysian Association of Social Workers welcomes the tabling of the Social Work Profession Bill 2026, calling it a landmark step in formally recognising the profession and aligning Malaysia with international standards.
Benjamin Netanyahu's government is accelerating passage of controversial bills before the Israeli parliament dissolves ahead of elections scheduled in four months, sparking intense opposition backlash.
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Malaysia's parliament has advanced three significant legislative measures during the second week of the Dewan Rakyat sitting, addressing protection for vulnerable citizens, workplace security, and digital crime threats.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended federal allocation practices during the Dewan Rakyat's second week, emphasising equitable distribution across states. Parliament also passed legislation on child protection, cybercrime, and employment matters.
Malaysia's parliament has approved the Cybercrimes Bill 2026, legislation targeting deepfakes and the distribution of digitally manipulated intimate images. The 61-clause bill passed with broad support after extensive debate involving government and opposition lawmakers.
Japan's Cabinet has approved legislation to reform the imperial succession system by allowing adoption of male relatives from former branch families and permitting female members to retain imperial status after marriage.
Malaysia's Cyber Consumer Association has thrown its weight behind the Cyber Crime Bill 2026, arguing that expedited enforcement powers are essential to combat rapidly evolving cyber threats facing the nation.
Malaysia and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation across legislation, governance, and strategic areas, following discussions between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction Prof Dr Yusril Ihza Mahendra.